Đurić in Prague Confers with Czech Foreign Minister Macinka

“Our discussions today focused on how to further enhance overall cooperation across political, economic, cultural, and other spheres, including the European dimension of our relations, regional issues, and multilateral cooperation,” Đurić stated.

Noting that the talks were highly productive, Đurić also took the opportunity to extend an invitation to his counterpart to visit Belgrade.

“Our two countries are bound by a historical friendship that predates both the European Union and the current geopolitical circumstances, and which, I am confident, is also oriented toward the future. Suffice it to say that in the past year alone, we achieved €2.8 billion in trade exchange, benefiting citizens and businesses in both countries and generating significant tax revenues on both sides. I am convinced that, in the period ahead, and as a result of the positive political climate we are fostering between our two countries, this economic cooperation will continue to grow further,” Đurić underlined.

The head of Serbian diplomacy expressed sincere gratitude to Czech partners for their understanding of Serbia’s position in the European context and for their support across a wide range of issues in the international arena.

“Our two countries share remarkably similar views on numerous issues. Migration was also discussed—Serbia, too, does not wish to become a “parking space“ for illegal migrants and seeks to pursue a humane, yet responsible and law-based approach to this issue. Therefore, our cooperation in these areas can only continue to develop and strengthen. I also used the opportunity to brief the Minister on the situation in Kosovo and Metohija, including the position of the Serbian people and other communities there, as well as its historical significance for the Serbian people,” Đurić noted.

He further conveyed that, particularly over the past four years, there has been unprecedented pressure on the Serbian Orthodox Church and on the institutions of the Serbian people in Kosovo and Metohija.

“I pointed out that Serbia continues to approach the EU-facilitated dialogue constructively in order to preserve stability, while at the same time insisting on the protection of the collective, political, cultural, and religious rights of Serbs. We are also oriented toward the future and cooperation, but always ready to speak the truth about developments on the ground and to stand firmly in defense of our national interests,” Đurić stated.

Đurić also expressed appreciation to Czech partners for their decision to participate in the exhibition in Belgrade, where they will be represented by a large and prominent pavilion, noting that this is of significant importance for Serbia.

“It was an immense pleasure to speak with my esteemed friend and colleague Petr Macinka, a person who deeply values and advocates for his country and who is ready to be a sincere friend to the Serbian people. In the context of global developments, I am pleased that we have a friend in the Czech Republic, and I wish to assure the Czech public that in Serbia you have steadfast and reliable friends you can always count on,” Đurić concluded.

Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka stated that his comprehensive discussions with Đurić covered a broad spectrum of topics, ranging from bilateral relations and security to multilateral issues.

Observing that relations between Serbia and the Czech Republic are at an elevated level and that there are no outstanding issues, Macinka emphasized the importance of continuing such strong cooperation at all levels.

Regarding Serbia’s European integration, Macinka noted that both he personally and the Czech Republic act as advocates for Serbia at various levels within the European Union, particularly in the context of accession negotiations. He added that he had also discussed the issue of Kosovo and Metohija with Minister Đurić.

On this occasion, Minister Macinka expressed gratitude to the Serbian side for the reconstruction of the Czech House, within which the Czech Centre has also been opened.

Responding to journalists’ questions, Minister Macinka also addressed the issue of Kosovo and Metohija, stating that “Kosovo“ is, in fact, a “Serbian issue.”

He noted that nearly two decades have passed since the Czech government, under then-Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg, moved toward recognizing “Kosovo“, suggesting that the decision had been influenced by certain external pressures.

He further elaborated on the circumstances surrounding that decision:

“Perhaps it was also a consequence of certain connections that Mr. Schwarzenberg, or others, had with Madeleine Albright, who had a significant interest in “Kosovo“ and a particular historical association with it. As such, I believe that the Czech government at the time was among the first to act. At that time, I was working in the office of President Václav Klaus, whose stance differed somewhat. We believed that the Czech Republic could have acted with greater caution,” Macinka indicated.

He concluded by stating that he does not view the matter as an international issue and expressed the opinion that “the entire situation should be resolved through compromise.”