Đurić: Serbia sends an important message to the world from Dayton

The Minister emphasized that Serbia’s participation in the event served as another opportunity to refresh the global perception of the country.

“In my address to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly here in Ohio, I conveyed a clear message that Serbia does not view Bosnia and Herzegovina as a monoethnic state, nor as a country in which one group should impose its political will on the other two. We strongly support the Dayton Agreement and insist that relations among the constituent peoples be based on mutual respect and that all open issues be resolved exclusively through internal dialogue, not through any form of imposition,” Đurić said.

He added that this was also an opportunity to share Serbia’s vision for the future of the Balkans, grounded in the belief that the era of division in the region should be left behind, and replaced by a new era of economic cooperation and the strengthening of infrastructure, cultural, and educational ties.

“In the 21st century, a new generation has emerged in the Balkans—one that does not believe that checkpoints, barriers, and physical divisions are the way to affirm statehood, identity, or cultural uniqueness. None of our countries will be diminished by allowing people to move freely, trade openly, and collaborate. Instead, this will foster lasting peace and a sustainable future for the region,” he stated.

Minister Đurić stressed that, in the context of the Dayton Agreement, it is through respect and recognition—rather than imposition—that the region can achieve those goals.

He also reported having a series of important meetings in Dayton, particularly with members of the U.S. administration.

“I had constructive discussions with a group of bipartisan U.S. Congress members. It is of immense importance for Serbia to build connections with prominent American political figures and to articulate our position. I heard many encouraging messages during these meetings, and I believe the Serbia–U.S. relationship is moving in a positive direction,” Đurić noted.

He highlighted the significance of the messages delivered by U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau during the commemorative session, describing them as encouraging for Serbia and for Serbs across the region.

“Based on both his speech and the excellent meeting we had with Mr. Landau, it is clear that the U.S. administration is genuinely committed to developing a new, constructive relationship with Serbia and the entire region. As for Bosnia and Herzegovina, the idea of constructing a unitary state or externally imposed solutions clearly does not enjoy the support of the current U.S. administration,” Đurić said.

He also had a productive meeting with the UK’s Special Envoy for the Western Balkans, Baroness Karen Pierce, during which they exchanged views on how to build on the recent discussions held in Belgrade with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and how to initiate a strategic dialogue aimed at deepening economic and societal ties between the two countries.

Minister Đurić also announced his attendance at a high-level dinner later in the evening, which will bring together the NATO Secretary General and representatives of countries and territories from the region.

“I do not expect this to be an easy discussion for Serbia’s representatives, but I am confident that the principles we uphold—those of cooperation, mutual respect, and the preservation of territorial integrity—are just as relevant today to all participants as they were when enshrined in the UN Charter over 80 years ago,” Đurić concluded.