Đurić: Representing our country’s Interests is a constant calling

“This is a wonderful way to conclude a demanding year in the work of our diplomatic service, and an important day, as I have the honour to announce that seventy-seven participants have successfully completed the Diplomatic Academy programme. I would like to congratulate everyone, and to offer particular praise to those who distinguished themselves through exceptional effort,” Đurić stated.

He also extended special congratulations to the top-performing members of this generation - Vladimir Živković from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Miljana Ivković from the Ministry of Defence.

The diplomatic profession, Minister Đurić emphasized, is such that diplomats find themselves on the front line of defending their country’s interests every single day, throughout the entire year.

“While other services prepare for contingencies and act when circumstances require it, our service is always active—both in times of ease and in times of difficulty. Representing our country’s interests is a constant calling, not merely a regular workplace or a job,” Đurić underlined.

According to him, the challenges of our time - particularly those faced by representatives of the Republic of Serbia—are so numerous and complex that they require continuous personal and professional development from everyone involved.

“This outstanding programme contributes significantly to building each of your capacities, but there is also a clear need to continue professional development throughout one’s work and career,” the Minister noted.

Speaking about the objectives for the year ahead, he pointed out that priorities will include continued efforts to preserve stability in the region under highly complex circumstances; safeguarding Serbia’s independent and militarily neutral position; strengthening the country’s economic capacities; and preserving the cultural, historical, and spiritual heritage of the Serbian people and of all peoples living in the Republic of Serbia.

The head of Serbian diplomacy stressed that considerably greater efforts will be required to protect Serbia’s position regarding Kosovo and Metohija.

Addressing regional issues, the Minister added that the status of the Serbian people in the region remains a matter of constant attention and engagement, and one that requires particular care, while work with the Serbian diaspora is no less important.

He also highlighted the importance of economic diplomacy as a necessary precondition for maintaining strong economic results in the period ahead.

“All of this largely rests on the people who are joining the diplomatic service, who must first and foremost be the true and best face of Serbia—every day and in everything they do, both professionally and privately. This is not merely a job; it is a calling, a calling that obliges us to give our very best every day and to pursue continuous self-improvement,” Minister Đurić concluded.

Once again congratulating those present and extending his warmest wishes on the occasion of the upcoming holidays, Minister Đurić noted that 2026 will be a year in which the ministry he leads will be significantly expanded with many additional high-quality professionals.