Đurić: Minister Macinka explicitly stated that Kosovo and Metohija is a Serbian issue, advocates a compromise solution and shows understanding for Serbia’s position

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, Marko Đurić, stated today in Prague that he was highly satisfied with his visit to the Czech Republic and expressed his gratitude for the hospitality extended by the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Petr Macinka. He noted in particular that, following their meeting, Minister Macinka explicitly stated that Kosovo and Metohija is a Serbian issue, that he supports a compromise-based solution, and that he demonstrates understanding for Serbia’s position and for the situation of the Serbian people.

Đurić added that it is no secret that the path to the hearts of the Serbian people also lies in understanding this extremely sensitive issue.

“Today is a significant, positive, and important day for relations between the Czech Republic and Serbia. We have successfully conducted an official visit to the Czech Republic shortly after the formation of its new government, which is a patriotic and freedom-oriented government, politically remarkably close to our own. I am pleased to inform the public in Serbia that this visit has been exceptionally successful. When I say ‘exceptionally,’ it is not merely a phrase—I can say that this is one of the most successful visits we have had to date. This is the first visit to the new Czech Foreign Minister, Petr Macinka, whom I can already describe as a great friend of the Serbian people. As a result of our meetings today, Minister Macinka has provided an unprecedented level of support for Serbia, both on regional issues, within the European context, and regarding our most important state and national issue—Kosovo and Metohija,” Đurić emphasized.

Speaking about Serbian-Czech relations, Đurić assessed that they are currently developing within a European framework, where the support of the Czech Republic is of immense importance to Serbia’s European integration process—a support that Serbia enjoys.

“It is also highly significant that this modern and rapidly developing country maintains with us a trade exchange valued at €2.8 billion annually. The creation of such an excellent political climate between us translates into stronger economic cooperation, more opportunities for business communities and citizens alike to cooperate, and consequently greater budget revenues for both countries,” Đurić underlined.

The Serbian Foreign Minister further conveyed that he and his Czech counterpart also discussed various global issues on which there is a high degree of alignment.

“In the context of current developments in Europe and globally, such friendships are indispensable. This is precisely why, in coordination with President Aleksandar Vučić, I have come here—to further strengthen our partnerships with countries such as the Czech Republic. It is important to us that our Czech partners are present within KFOR and that they support the opening of clusters in Serbia’s EU accession process. It is also important that our companies are increasingly cooperating with Czech companies in the production of trains, trams, and the development of new construction projects, including some of the most prominent ones in the capital of our country,” Đurić stated.

Referring to the long-standing tradition and historical ties between the two nations, Đurić recalled that the Czech people have historically extended support to Serbia when it was most needed, noting a strong mutual affinity between the two peoples.

“According to official statistics, around 6,000 of our citizens currently live and work in the Czech Republic, while unofficial figures suggest a higher number. In Serbia, slightly fewer than 2,000 individuals identify as Czechs. However, our friendship is not defined solely by economic exchange or demographic presence—it is deeply rooted in our shared Slavic culture and tradition. I am confident that, with the current Czech government, we can achieve an unprecedented level of cooperation between our two countries,” Đurić said.

He announced that a visit by the President of the Czech Parliament to Serbia is expected in the coming days, adding that he also met today in Prague with Tomio Okamura, Speaker of the Czech Parliament.

“It was a great honor for me to be received by the leadership of the Parliament and representatives of the entire coalition. This reflects both new dynamics in our relations with the new government and the enduring continuity of our bilateral ties from one administration to another,” Đurić noted.

Concluding his visit, the Serbian Foreign Minister stated that there is every reason to be satisfied with the outcomes of the day, emphasizing that it is rare to hear such significant messages as those conveyed by Minister Macinka regarding Kosovo and Metohija, Serbia’s European integration, and the overall development of economic relations.

“The Czech Republic will participate in Expo 2027, which is a highly important development for Serbia. Among other factors, this decision was influenced by the strong political relations between our countries, given that such participation entails substantial investment. We aim for the Czech pavilion to be among the most impressive at the Expo. This will undoubtedly provide an additional impetus to economic cooperation. Some of our companies are already operating very successfully, and the favorable political climate we are building will certainly open the door for further growth. A trade volume of €2.8 billion annually is significant but considering the growth trajectories of both the Serbian and Czech economies, it can and will increase further,” Minister Marko Đurić concluded.