Nevena Jovanović and Dušan Kozarev Discuss Current Issues with Karen Pierce in London

The interlocutors reviewed bilateral relations between Serbia and the United Kingdom, which were assessed as traditionally good, particularly in the fields of economy, defence and security, while additional attention was devoted to a number of regional issues of mutual interest.

Jovanović and Kozarev conveyed Serbia’s full commitment to European integration and the continued implementation of reforms, emphasizing the remarkable achievements of the administration of President Aleksandar Vučić in the comprehensive modernization of the country, the improvement of living standards, and the tripling of GDP since 2012, while positioning Serbia as a significant investment destination and a regional leader. It was underlined that the symbolic culmination of this state-building policy would be the hosting of the global Expo 2027 exhibition, with the expectation expressed that the participation of the United Kingdom would be particularly notable and beneficial for further strengthening bilateral ties.

At the same time, they expressed concern regarding the human rights situation of Serbs and other non-Albanians in Kosovo and Metohija, emphasizing that, alongside the continued individual persecution carried out by the Kurti regime, the Christian Serbian heritage in Serbia’s southern province remains under threat. In this context, they sought British support for the full implementation of the agreements reached within the Belgrade–Priština dialogue, particularly with regard to the establishment of the Association of Serb-majority Municipalities.

The meeting also addressed the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina following the recent resignation of Christian Schmidt, integration processes in Southeast Europe through initiatives such as the Berlin Process and Open Balkan, the improvement of energy and transport infrastructure, scientific and educational cooperation, as well as closer connectivity in the field of information technologies, particularly in the area of artificial intelligence.

Special Envoy Pierce reiterated official London’s support for Serbia’s European integration and, recognizing the economic results achieved, expressed the United Kingdom’s readiness to continue active participation in processes aimed at strengthening peace, stability and reconciliation, while also engaging in major development projects in Serbia and the wider region.

The interlocutors agreed that the abolition of British visas for holders of Serbian passports would significantly contribute to enhancing business contacts, and that further discussions on the matter would continue within the competent institutions.