Djuric, French MPs discuss cooperation, situation in Kosovo-Metohija

BELGRADE - Serbian FM Marko Djuric met with a delegation of French MPs in Belgrade on Thursday to discuss key topics concerning bilateral relations, regional cooperation and the worrying situation facing the Serb population in Kosovo-Metohija.

"France is our strategic partner and one of the key pillars of support among the major European nations, which is why it is in our national interest to continue strengthening bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest,” Djuric noted.

"He noted that the continuity in the development of bilateral relations is largely a result of regular meetings between President Aleksandar Vucic and President Emmanuel Macron, as well as the intensive dialogue maintained at all political levels," the Serbian MFA said in a statement.

Highlighting the importance of parliamentary cooperation as a crucial dimension of bilateral relations in recent years, Djuric expressed Serbia’s deep appreciation for the active engagement of French parliamentarians in the process of normalising the relations between Belgrade and Pristina, as well as for their understanding of the importance of preserving Serbia’s cultural, religious and historical heritage in Kosovo-Metohija.

"It is alarming that, in just the past two and a half years, 20 per cent of the Serb population has left the territory of Kosovo-Metohija. This is a direct consequence of continued unilateral actions, constant provocations, unprecedented pressure and the systematic persecution of the Serbs orchestrated by the regime of Albin Kurti,” Djuric pointed out.

"Reiterating Belgrade’s constructive and transparent approach in the EU-facilitated dialogue in Brussels, the Serbian foreign minister underscored the urgent need to establish the Community of Serb-Majority Municipalities and to ensure the protection of the fundamental human rights of Serbs in the southern province," the MFA said.

French MPs Frederic Petit, Marine Amelie, Pierre Pribetich, and Jean-Louis Roumegas, appointed by the Foreign Affairs Committee of the French Parliament, are on an official visit to Serbia to gain a comprehensive understanding of the current situation and explore ways in which parliamentary diplomacy can contribute to normalisation of the relations between Belgrade and Pristina, it also said.