Djuric: Visit to Czechia exceptional, our friendship deeply rooted

PRAGUE - Serbian FM Marko Djuric wrapped up an official visit to Czechia, during which he met with Czech counterpart Petr Macinka and Chamber of Deputies President Tomio Okamura.

At a working lunch hosted for him by Okamura, Djuric also held a discussion with other top-ranking officials of the Czech parliament. Djuric said he had visited Czechia not long after the formation of a new government in Prague and that Macinka had expressed support for Serbia on regional issues and in the European context, as well as when it comes to Kosovo-Metohija, Serbia's top state and national issue.

Recapping Thursday's visit in a statement to Serbian reporters, Djuric noted that Macinka had said Kosovo-Metohija was a Serbian issue.

"At a press conference, Macinka publicly said that Kosovo-Metohija is a Serbian issue and that he advocates a compromise solution, and that he has understanding for our country's stance and the position of our people - it is no secret that the path to the hearts of Serbs also leads through understanding for this topic, which is very sensitive for us," Djuric noted.

He said the new Czech government was patriotic and freedom-loving and very close to the Serbian government in terms of political orientation. Speaking about present Serbia-Czechia relations, Djuric said they were developing in a European context where Prague's support on EU integration was very important for Serbia.

He pointed out that Czechia was a modern, fast-developing country whose bilateral trade with Serbia totalled 2.8 bln euros a year. "

This visit went exceptionally well. When I say exceptionally well, it is really not just a phrase - I can say it is one of the best visits we have had to date. Certainly, our friendship is not only about money or only about the people living today - our friendship is really deeply rooted both in our Slavic culture and tradition, and I am confident that, with the current Czech government, we can register an unprecedented level of cooperation between our two countries," Djuric noted.

Djuric: Czechia a friendly country, we will work on advancement of cooperation

PRAGUE - Serbian FM Marko Djuric said on Thursday in Prague Serbia considered Czechia and its current government as friendly and noted that Serbia and Czechia were focusing on advancement of political, economic and cultural cooperation, besides cooperation on the European aspect and regional affairs.

At a press conference with Czech counterpart Petr Macinka, Djuric said they had had very fruitful discussions and that he had invited Macinka to visit Belgrade.

"We are connected by a historical friendship that is even older than the EU and is also oriented towards the future and advancement of our relations," Djuric said.

He noted that Serbia-Czechia bilateral trade had totalled 2.8 bln euros in 2025.

"I am confident the economic cooperation will continue to strengthen in the coming period," Djuric said.

He expressed sincere gratitude to Czechia for its understanding for Serbia's position in the European context, as well as for its support on many issues in the international arena.

"We share similar views on numerous issues - illegal migration, for instance. Serbia does not want to be a parking lot for illegal migrants - we want a humane but responsible approach to this topic, and our cooperation can only get stronger," he said.

Djuric added that he had informed Macinka of the situation in Kosovo-Metohija and the position of Serbs and other communities in the province, as well as of Kosovo-Metohija's historical significance for the Serbs.

"In the past four years in particular, Serbs in Kosovo-Metohija, as well as the Serbian Orthodox Church and Serbian national and cultural, educational and health care institutions have been under unprecedented pressure. I pointed out that Serbia continues to approach the EU-facilitated dialogue in a constructive manner so that stability is preserved, but we insist on protection of the rights of the Serb community," he said, adding that Serbia was oriented towards the future and cooperation, but that it was also prepared to speak the truth and stand up in defence of its national interests.

He thanked Czechia for a decision to participate in EXPO 2027 Belgrade.

"That is very important to us because we attach great importance to the EXPO. To date, 134 countries have confirmed their participation. For us, it is a key development project, and it will help change the image of Serbia and the Serbs," Djuric said.

Later, president of the Czech Chamber of Deputies Tomio Okamura hosted a working lunch for Djuric, which was also attended by Macinka.