Djuric, UK's Pierce discuss advancement of regional cooperation

BELGRADE - Serbian FM Marko Djuric met with the UK's special Western Balkans envoy Karen Pierce in Belgrade on Wednesday to discuss advancement of regional cooperation.

"Minister Djuric expressed his appreciation for the importance the United Kingdom attaches to the Western Balkans and to Serbia, as well as for the personal engagement of the Special Envoy," the Serbian MFA said in a statement.

"He underscored that Serbia remains firmly committed to strengthening international and regional relations, noting that these directly contribute to peace, stability, and prosperity across the entire region.

Djuric also recalled a concrete example of a solidarity-based initiative during the evacuation of Serbian and regional nationals from conflict-affected areas in the Middle East, emphasising that these activities demonstrated Serbia’s capacity and readiness to contribute, in cooperation with its partners, to the security and stability of the wider Western Balkans region," it said.

Speaking about Kosovo-Metohija, Djuric informed Pierce of the destabilisation of the situation and the institutional violence faced by the Serb population in the province on a daily basis.

"Reflecting on European integration, he expressed gratitude for the support provided by the United Kingdom to this process, highlighting that regional initiatives represent an important driver of Serbia’s progress.

He particularly welcomed the United Kingdom’s engagement within the Berlin Process, underlining the importance of this platform for strengthening interregional coordination.

Minister Djuric emphasised that Serbia attaches particular importance to this initiative, which, through concrete projects and measures, contributes to development, fosters trust among the countries of the region, and promotes the process of reconciliation in the Western Balkans," the MFA also said.