Djuric meets with UK's Pierce

BLED, - Serbian FM Marko Djuric met with the UK's special Western Balkans envoy Karen Pierce on the margins of the Bled Strategic Forum in Slovenia, reiterating that Serbia was firmly committed to cooperation, open communication and respect for agreements, and added that its foreign policy was based on those principles.

"Recalling their previous meeting in Dayton in May this year, the Minister expressed satisfaction with the opportunity to once again exchange views with the Special Envoy on current issues.

Minister Djuric emphasised that regular political dialogue at the high and highest levels is of immense importance for advancing all areas of cooperation of mutual interest, noting that such dialogue contributes to the long tradition and history of ties between the two countries," the Serbian MFA said in a statement.

"The Serbian Foreign Minister reiterated that Serbia remains firmly committed to cooperation, open communication, and respect for agreements, principles upon which it bases its foreign policy.

Speaking about regional cooperation, Minister Djuric underlined that Serbia is dedicated to its enhancement, as it contributes to peace, stability, and prosperity throughout Europe," it also said.

Speaking about Kosovo-Metohija, Djuric provided a "detailed account of the destabilisation of the situation and the institutional pressures" faced daily by Serbs in the province.

"Minister Djuric expressed gratitude for the support the United Kingdom extends to the Western Balkans’ European integration process, stressing that regional initiatives serve as catalysts for that process, but can never be a substitute for membership in the European Union," the statement also said.

Djuric and Pierce also discussed the forthcoming Berlin Process Summit and a preparatory meeting of FMs to be held in Belfast in October.

"The Minister confirmed that Serbia attaches particular importance to this intergovernmental initiative, which, through concrete projects and measures, supports Serbia’s EU integration, strengthens regional cooperation, fosters development and advances the reconciliation process across the region," the statement said.