Djuric, Jenca discuss Kosovo-Metohija, region and international issues

BELGRADE - Serbian FM Marko Djuric met with UN Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas Miroslav Jenca in Belgrade on Wednesday to discuss regional relations, the situation in Kosovo-Metohija and current international issues.

Djuric emphasised "the excellent cooperation between the Government of Serbia and the United Nations team in the country, highlighting the essential role of the UN in preserving the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Serbia," the Serbian MFA said in a statement.

"He reiterated that Serbia remains strongly committed to multilateralism and to the goals and principles enshrined in the UN Charter, which it views as the cornerstone of international relations and a key prerequisite for achieving the Charter’s primary objective - maintaining international peace and security."

Djuric underscored the vital importance of continued UNMIK presence for ensuring peace, stability and security to Serbs and other non-Albanian communities in the southern province.

He also drew attention to a series of unilateral acts undertaken by the Pristina authorities that constitute grave violations of basic human rights and involve both physical and institutional violence against Serbs, including increasingly frequent arrests without valid grounds or transparent procedures - actions aimed at intimidation and a complete displacement of the Serb community from Kosovo-Metohija, the statement said.

"In this context, he also referred to the commencement of construction of two new bridges over the Ibar River, viewing it as a direct threat to the majority-Serb population in the north of the province," the ministry said.

"Regarding the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Minister Djuric affirmed Serbia’s dedicated support for the Dayton Peace Agreement, which forms the constitutional foundation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and remains a crucial guarantee of peace and stability."

Speaking more broadly about regional developments, he noted that certain statements and actions by officials from neighboring countries ran counter to European values, and underscored the need for greater political responsibility in regional discourse.

"Minister Djuric reiterated Serbia’s firm commitment to strengthening stability and fostering cooperation in the region - primarily through economic and infrastructure development - alongside full dedication to the process of reconciliation.

In conclusion, Minister Djuric affirmed that Serbia will continue to work with the United Nations across all relevant forums and missions that contribute to the preservation of peace, rights, and stability in the region while maintaining its active contribution to collective security through participation in peacekeeping operations around the world," the MFA also said.