Đurić: Regional connectivity a priority of Serbia’s CEI chairmanship

Minister Đurić emphasized that Serbia actively participates in the work of the CEI, underlining the importance of the Initiative in strengthening regional cooperation, deepening good-neighborly relations, and building solid partnerships among countries of the region. He noted that the CEI represents an important platform for advancing infrastructural and economic connectivity, as well as for joint action to preserve stability and security in Europe and beyond.

The Minister expressed his confidence that the second part of Serbia’s CEI chairmanship will be dedicated to the successful completion of ongoing projects, with a focus on deepening and strengthening good-neighborly relations that are vital for progress toward European Union membership. He stressed that Serbia aims to inject new energy into the work of this oldest regional organization and to highlight the importance of stronger regional connectivity.

Minister Đurić noted that, in addition to its political role, the Initiative also provides significant financial support to its members in the process of European integration through its funds. He recalled the role of Italy, as the founding country and a key pillar of the Initiative’s functioning, emphasizing that without Italy’s support the CEI would not have become a lasting and successful mechanism of regional cooperation.

The talks also touched upon chairmanship priorities such as infrastructural and institutional connectivity, investment in modern technologies—including artificial intelligence and biotechnology—as well as the enhancement of cooperation with Italy, the host country of the CEI Secretariat.

The Foreign Minister announced that Serbia will host two notable events in November: the CEI Parliamentary Assembly and the Inter-Ministerial Meeting on Labor Migration. He further noted that the Annual Meeting of Foreign Ministers of CEI Member States will mark the conclusion of Serbia’s chairmanship and the handover of duties to the next presiding country.

By assuming the CEI chairmanship in 2025, Serbia has demonstrated its consistent commitment to regional connectivity and cooperation within the framework of the Initiative, as evidenced by its results to date and contributions to common goals.