Djuric, Roquefeuil discuss political relations, situation in Kosovo-Metohija

BELGRADE - Serbian FM Marko Djuric has met with Brice Roquefeuil, head of the French foreign ministry's directorate for continental Europe, to discuss further strengthening of political relations between Serbia and France, the challenges faced by the Serb population in Kosovo-Metohija, Serbia’s path towards EU membership and key geopolitical issues.

"Emphasising the continuity of excellent cooperation and the exceptional bilateral ties between Serbia and France, both sides agreed that regular high-level political dialogue plays a significant role in deepening their relations," the Serbian MFA said in a statement released after Thursday's meeting in Belgrade.

"Mr Roquefeuil conveyed greetings from French Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, along with the expectation that a meeting between the two counterparts would take place in the near future.

Minister Djuric expressed his appreciation for France’s consistent support and active engagement in helping Serbia advance its strategic foreign policy objective - European integration - and reaffirmed Serbia’s commitment to aligning with the EU in the fields of foreign and security policy.

Minister Djuric also briefed his guest on the latest pressures being exerted by Albin Kurti’s administration on the Serb population in Kosovo-Metohija.

He emphasised that the unjustified arrest of Igor Popovic — Assistant Director of the Office for Kosovo-Metohija and a member of the Government of Serbia’s negotiation team — represents an additional step toward obstructing the dialogue and destabilising the region as a whole. In this context, the Serbian Foreign Minister expressed gratitude to the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs for its statement issued earlier today, in which France voiced hope for the swift release of Mr Popovic," the ministry said.

"Minister Djuric reiterated that securing an immediate release of Mr Popovic remains a top priority, and that the competent Serbian authorities will undertake all necessary political and legal steps against those responsible, while remaining firmly committed to preserving peace and stability.

The discussion also covered a range of regional issues, with both sides expressing satisfaction with the strategic partnership between Serbia and France, as well as the dynamic development of trade exchange and French investments in Serbia," it also said.