Đurić: Strengthening the Strategic Partnership between Serbia and Italy

Minister Đurić emphasized that Serbia and Italy nurture friendly and close relations based on a strategic partnership, recalling that Italy was the first European Union member state with which Serbia established such a form of cooperation.

He noted that Italy is one of Serbia’s most important economic partners and that there is mutual interest in further deepening cooperation, particularly in light of Serbia’s commitment to developing an economy that has more than doubled its GDP over the past decade.

Minister Đurić expressed particular satisfaction with the continuity of political dialogue and the successful visit of the President of the Council of Ministers of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, to Belgrade, which, as he underlined, reaffirmed the friendship between the two countries and gave new momentum to bilateral relations.

The Serbian Foreign Minister stressed that among Serbia’s key priorities are the preservation of regional stability, the country’s political and military neutrality, and its accession to the European Union. He expressed confidence that conditions will soon be created for the opening of Cluster 3, which would represent an additional incentive for Serbia’s EU integration process.

Minister Đurić thanked Italy for its strong belief in Serbia’s European vision and for its continued support of Serbia’s EU path. He especially highlighted the engagement of Italian soldiers within KFOR, who make a significant contribution to preserving security and stability in Kosovo and Metohija and protecting the Serbian cultural heritage.

He also recalled that Serbia is chairing the Central European Initiative (CEI) this year, which—with Italy’s strong support—has for more than three decades contributed to the economic development of its member states.

Minister Đurić expressed gratitude for the greetings conveyed to him by Minister Ciriani on behalf of the President of the Council of Ministers of Italy, Giorgia Meloni.