Đurić: Strengthening cooperation and open dialogue on difficult issues
Minister Đurić emphasized that Serbia values every initiative aimed at enhancing cooperation in the Balkans, particularly those originating from the region itself. He underscored the importance of the region demonstrating to the European Union and the broader international community its ability to engage in dialogue on shared challenges, economic opportunities, and cooperation in the fields of foreign and security policy. He noted that all countries in the region share the common goal of full EU membership and can make meaningful contributions to the economic and social development of Europe.
Minister Đurić stressed that Serbia, like other Balkan nations, deserves proper recognition for its contributions, as well as support that is commensurate with that enjoyed by some EU member states. He pointed to the significant disparity in the volume of European funds available to EU members compared to candidate countries.
While acknowledging differences on certain issues—particularly concerning the status of Kosovo and Metohija—Minister Đurić reaffirmed Serbia’s readiness to engage in open and constructive dialogue, even on the most sensitive matters, with the aim of fostering mutual understanding. He highlighted the value of open and informal exchanges between states that may hold differing views on delicate questions, noting that such dialogue is vital for building trust.
He also noted that during the meeting, views were exchanged on global issues and ways to enhance regional youth cooperation, which he described as particularly important for the future of the Balkans.
Minister Đurić underscored that Serbia continues to advocate for its national interests consistently and resolutely—both in Istanbul and Brussels—with the intention of ensuring that the European aspirations of the region are acknowledged in a manner that accelerates integration and recognizes the contributions of the Balkan countries. He noted that Serbia supports the EU’s Growth Plan as well.
The Minister also underlined Serbia’s substantial role in reducing illegal migration flows through the region toward Europe—one of the country’s concrete contributions to continental stability and security.
He concluded by describing the forum as a multidimensional gathering in which Serbia presented its positions transparently, safeguarding its national interests while actively pursuing ways to enhance the overall atmosphere and cooperation in the region.
In the margins of the forum, Minister Đurić also held bilateral talks with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye, Hakan Fidan, focusing on bilateral relations and the situation in the region. He recalled that relations between Serbia and Türkiye are significantly supported by the strong personal rapport between President Aleksandar Vučić and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
