Djuric: Connectivity at core of Serbia's CEI presidency

BELGRADE - Opening a meeting of Central European Initiative (CEI) FMs in Belgrade, Serbian FM Marko Djuric said connectivity among the initiative's member states had been at the very core of Serbia's efforts during its CEI presidency.

"Welcoming the participants, Djuric emphasised that the gathering provides an opportunity to reflect on joint achievements, determine the strategic course ahead, and reaffirm the collective commitment to strengthening cooperation within the CEI region," the Serbian MFA said in a statement.

"Serbia is concluding its CEI Presidency for 2025 — a year during which we sought to support and contribute to the realisation of the Initiative’s key goals and to reinforce ties among member states. It has been an honour to steer the CEI agenda over the past months. As we prepare to hand over the Presidency, we do so with the conviction that the results achieved this year will be further advanced,” Djuric said.

"Reflecting on the theme of today’s meeting — Strengthening the CEI Region through Connectivity, Innovation, and Integration — the Minister underlined that it embodies a shared vision of building a region that is more coherent, resilient, and future-oriented," the MFA said.

'At this moment, I must also recall the complex historical context in which we find ourselves, as well as the sensitive issues that may threaten our strength and unity. In spite of these challenges, we remain steadfast in fulfilling the key objectives and priorities of our Presidency. In this regard, connectivity in all its dimensions has been at the very core of our efforts. Strengthening infrastructure — whether in transport, energy, digital development, or environmental protection — remains the most effective path to accelerating growth, increasing competitiveness, and bringing our citizens closer together,' Djuric noted.

He highlighted encouraging progress achieved in cross-border infrastructure initiatives in the past year.

“I will mention only the initiative to revitalise the Trieste–Ljubljana–Zagreb–Belgrade railway corridor as an example of a vision that can become reality if we align our priorities and act together. Enhanced connectivity is not merely a practical necessity — it is a powerful symbol of cooperation, openness, and shared purpose,” Djuric underlined.

"The Serbian Foreign Minister also drew attention to the other two pillars of CEI activity — innovation and integration — adding that innovation enables the region to adapt to global changes, develop smarter solutions, and ensure that the CEI area remains dynamic and competitive, while deeper integration processes enhance stability and open new avenues for cooperation and development," the MFA noted.

“The value of the CEI lies in its ability to translate shared aspirations into concrete and meaningful cooperation. And while our region faces political and economic challenges familiar to the wider Europe, we are guided by the conviction that unity, dialogue, and mutual support represent the surest way forward. In this sense, the words of Jacques Delors resonate strongly with our work today: ‘Europe’s diversity makes it exceptionally rich. This diversity must be preserved so that it may bear fruit for the common good.’ It is precisely this spirit that drives our joint efforts to upgrade regional infrastructure, foster innovation, and deepen integration,” the ministry quoted Djuric as saying.

Djuric added that each of those endeavours strengthened the CEI as a platform that not only respected the uniqueness of each member state but channeled that diversity toward lasting, shared benefits for all.

“As Serbia concludes its Presidency, I wish to express gratitude to all member states, partners, and the CEI Secretariat for their active engagement and constructive support. We are proud of what has been achieved through joint effort and confident that the upcoming Presidency will continue on the same foundations, with equal vision and dedication,” Djuric said.

At the meeting, Serbia formally handed over the CEI presidency to Romania.