Djuric: We are in the business of making friends, but we will respond decisively to those who encroach on our interests

"Serbia will pursue a national, responsible foreign policy of an extended hand, while maintaining its dignity. We are in the business of making friends, but we will respond decisively to those who encroach on our interests", said Minister Djuric in a guest appearance on "Pink" television.

He added that Serbia demonstrated this in recent weeks when President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic defended Serbian national interests in the fight to prevent the adoption of the resolution on Srebrenica.

Minister Djuric emphasized that the new Serbian Government would not neglect traditional friendships.

"We will nurture relations with China, Russia, and former Non-Aligned Movement countries that helped us secure Expo. We would have never succeeded in winning the Expo bid without the support of about ten of these countries. We are also committed to continuing the development of relations with the United States, and we will strive to find a balance", Djuric said.

The Serbian Foreign Minister added that citizens can be confident that a government sharing President Vucic's vision would not succumb to any pressure.

"When I say 'a freedom-loving policy', it is not just a phrase. This government is of medium size, some might call it cumbersome, but it is also inclusive. In extremely challenging times, it has brought together most of the political forces necessary to preserve independence, freedom, and territorial integrity while also advocating for Serbia's progress. Those who have taken a clear East or West-oriented stance envy us. We will continue to work so that they keep envying us", Djuric said.

Regarding the upcoming visit by President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping to Serbia, Djuric said that this event is a great honour for Serbia, that it puts our country on the international map, and that the people of Serbia will not be disappointed when they see how China will vote in the United Nations on issues that are important for Serbia.

According to the Minister, the fact that the President of the People's Republic of China decided to visit only three countries - France, Hungary and Serbia - as part of his European tour, demonstrated that Serbia was pursuing an independent policy.

"Xi Jinping would never visit a country that is not making its own decisions. We have taken a principled stance on respect for the territorial integrity of all countries", Djuric stated.

"We aim to strengthen cooperation with China in the economy and other fields. China has become our second-largest economic partner. The U.S. has China as its number one trading partner, as well as many countries from which those who criticize us are from", Djuric said and added that the New York Times reported today that Xi Jinping was trying to build closer relations in Europe and had chosen leaders with enough character and political strength to discuss geopolitical issues with.

He also noted that the New York Times wrote that since the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade was hit in 1999 during the bombing of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Belgrade was one of the central points for Xi Jinping to send a message about the violation of international law precisely from here.  

Commenting on media reports that the Government of Montenegro decided to submit amendments to the draft resolution on Srebrenica, the Serbian Foreign Minister explained that this was unofficial information for now, but that if it happened, it would seem like an attempt at "conscience-cleansing" so as not to appear as being against brotherly Serbia in front of the public in Montenegro.

"Serbia will assess stances on the resolution to see who acts as a friend, who we can consider a friend, and who is a partner. We will strive for new friends, but we will distinguish between them", Djuric said.

When asked if it was realistic for French President Emmanuel Macron to veto the so-called Kosovo's membership in the Council of Europe, Djuric stated that there was a tension as a result of the fact that presidents Vucic and Macron had a personal relationship.

"Some circles are aware that President Vucic spent nearly four hours talking with Macron and that Serbia and France are developing their friendship. Serbia needs a strong ally in the EU. Concerning the Council of Europe and the Srebrenica resolution, superhuman effort has been made. Specifically, the president had 110 different interactions with state leaders in the UN, directly contacting them, calling them, presenting his points, and lobbying skilfully. He is not the only one working on this, though; other government members and the Speaker of the Parliament are involved as well", he explained.

According to him, the results were apparent since the resolution initially had 192 clear votes in favour, but now that was no longer so clear, forcing them to postpone the session once.

"President Vucic informed me that despite all his obligations, he may travel to New York to attend the UN General Assembly session as the head of state, to defend Serbian interests with his head held high, both before and after the vote, regardless of the outcome", Djuric stated.