Đurić: From New York, Serbia sent a message that it is free, strong, stable, and principled

“Serbia has sent a message that we are a country that is strong, free, stable, and part of the solution – both when it comes to regional challenges, stability in our immediate neighborhood, through a responsible approach, as well as in addressing global issues, where we are among those who remain committed to principles. This was best reflected today in the speech delivered by President Vučić, which was carefully calibrated, very well received, and welcomed by representatives of states from diverse ideological profiles and regions, united by their commitment to respect for international law, preservation of peace, and equal treatment among nations. That is our principle,” Minister Đurić said.

According to him, it was also significant that Serbia’s delegation held a large number of meetings over the course of 72 hours.

“We met with the U.S. Secretary of State, I also had a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov, and we held discussions with a number of countries, including with Ms. Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative. We signed agreements with Qatar, Jordan, and several other countries. We expect a total of around 15 additional agreements, including visa liberalization agreements with certain states. Tomorrow, for example, I expect that we will complete full visa liberalization with Honduras for all citizens, while with some countries these arrangements have already been finalized in the past days,” the Foreign Minister emphasized.

He noted that discussions also covered Kosovo and Metohija, with economic cooperation as another key topic.

“We also defended the interests of our people in the context of the Republic of Srpska. I can say that this is the 14th year I have participated in the UN General Assembly – previously as advisor to President Nikolić, then as Director of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija, later as Ambassador in Washington – but now I can truly say that I do not recall a more intensive or substantial participation,” Đurić underlined.

He stressed that President Vučić’s speech provided a sound framework and direction for Serbia’s foreign policy in a broader sense.

“Once again, Serbia has sent from the headquarters of this global organization, at a turning point in history, a message not only that it is free, strong, and stable, but also that it is responsible, consistent, and principled. And these are not mere phrases – they are political capital that qualifies us as a serious economic partner, and a reliable partner in the security domain. However demanding it may have been, this was time and energy well spent,” Minister Đurić stated.

He added that the comprehensive discussions also focused on Serbia’s regional cooperation and the broader international situation.

“These talks build upon the dialogue President Vučić had with the President of Russia in Beijing and also took place in the context of recently concluded discussions with the U.S. Secretary of State, held just hours earlier. For our country, it is crucial to understand and have insight into the directions of international developments,” Đurić emphasized.

According to the Foreign Minister, a new course in global cooperation and international relations was also set out in the speech of U.S. President Donald Trump.

“In both the conversations and the meeting I had today with Richard Grenell and John Jovanovic, the new head of the U.S. Exim Bank, it was completely clear that there is significant potential to build on this momentum and develop our relations further. Our traditionally strong partnership with Russia, paired with an enhanced partnership with the United States, is undoubtedly something beneficial for our country,” Đurić concluded.

Reflecting on global developments, he also noted that many leaders referred in their speeches to the assassination of President Trump’s aide, Kirk.

“From American interlocutors I heard that for some of them, within the current administration, this event is seen as nearly equivalent to the September 11, 2001 attacks in terms of its implications and the political consequences it will have worldwide. Clearly, this is a defining moment. President Trump’s speech was far-reaching and well thought-out. I believe we must be acutely aware of the times in which we live and adapt accordingly,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, Marko Đurić.