Djuric in Washington: Serbia strongly believes in power of dialogue, contributing to security

Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric, who is attending the "Partnership for Peace" meeting as part of the NATO summit, has said that Serbia is in Washington because it strongly believes in the power of dialogue and that our country contributes to regional and global security.

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Djuric pointed out that we are a militarily neutral country, but want our position in the world to be understood, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

"We are not a member of NATO, but we want to, using and relying on the power of dialogue, expand the understanding of the Serbian position regarding our strategic national issues - from Kosovo and Metohija to the regional situation," Djuric said.

Djuric added that Serbia wants to present itself as a constructive actor, which contributes to both regional and global security.

"Serbia is third in terms of contributing to UN peacekeeping missions around the world," said the minister and stressed that Serbia is committed to strengthening understanding between partners, who are currently in conflict.

He stated that numerous conversations on the sidelines are important for improving Serbia's image.

"It's very important for Serbia's reputation that we had talks with Mr. Blinken, on the sidelines of the summit, and with a number of foreign ministers of NATO countries, both those who did not recognize Kosovo and Metohija, and those who did," said Djuric.

He stated that Serbia as a member country of the "Partnership for Peace" has an active role in that program.

Commenting on the first days of his visit to Washington, Djuric said that he had meetings with Democrat Congressman from California Eric Swalwell, who has great influence in his party, as well as with co-chairman of the Serbian Caucus Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, who is a Republican from the state of New York.

Djuric added that he also discussed the strengthening of cooperation between the two countries with the head of Hungarian diplomacy, Peter Szijjarto, adding that Hungary's presidency over the EU Council represents a chance for Serbia, but also for the European Union itself.

"We are grateful to our Hungarian friends. We are working together to open new (accession) clusters, when it comes to Serbia's negotiations with the European Union," said Djuric.

He also attended the US-Serbian Business Council and noted that it is the sixth international summit in which Serbia is participating this month.

"We continue with enormous energy and enthusiasm to fight for the status and position of Serbia as an independent and free country in the international community," Djuric concluded.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)