Djuric hosts reception for foreign ambassadors, says stability, economic development are Serbia's goals

BELGRADE - Serbian FM Marko Djuric hosted a traditional Serbian New Year reception for heads of diplomatic missions and international organisations in Serbia, noting that, in 2026, Serbia would be striving for stability within the country and in the region, as well as for economic development and technological progress.

"We want 2026 to be a good year for Serbia. President Aleksandar Vucic has officially issued guidelines to the Government and, of course, to us in the diplomatic service - as we are cooperating very closely - to focus on two key priorities. Firstly, on maintaining stability in the region, domestically and everywhere where we can contribute, because stability is the key prerequisite for overall social development of Serbia," Djuric said at the reception, held in the Geozavod building in Belgrade.

He said advancement of Serbia's economic development, technological progress and overall economic growth was the second priority and one of the key prerequisites for achieving all goals and ambitions.

He said the Orthodox New Year was a time to reflect on current and future challenges, as well as on plans and steps that were ahead of Serbia.

"Today, I will not give a big political speech, I think that we have all heard of so many developments and information in the past 12 months that we are all still processing all the changes happening around us. Those changes are very deep in the economic, security and technological sphere, changing the way we operate and work as governments, as diplomatic services, as individuals, sometimes even at monthly and weekly level," Djuric said.

He thanked all foreign diplomats for their engagement in Serbia, noting that they helped Serbia to become better connected with the rest of the world and to better position itself on the global map.

"You are among the few people in the world and among the few diplomats and officials who really possess in-depth knowledge and expertise on the current state of affairs in this region and in Serbia. For that reason, I want to thank you all for your excellent service and to also thank your families, and let's begin 2026 with a measured, but firmly established level of optimism," Djuric said.

Serbia will always be a firm, dependable and benevolent partner, he added.

The reception was attended by around 130 guests, including Tamara Vucic, wife of the Serbian president.