Visiting Belgrade on Friday, Slovakia’s Foreign Minister and EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue Miroslav Lajčak met with his Serbian counterpart, Foreign Minister Marko Đurić. The meeting, which took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aimed to discuss the latest developments in the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, as well as the overall situation in the Western Balkans.
Lajčak expressed his commitment to facilitating the dialogue process, emphasizing the importance of reaching a sustainable solution that would benefit both Serbia and Kosovo. He praised the recent efforts made by both sides to resume talks after a long period of stagnation and urged them to continue working towards a comprehensive agreement.
During the meeting, Lajčak and Đurić also touched upon the issue of EU integration, with Lajčak reaffirming the EU’s support for Serbia’s European aspirations. He stressed the need for continued reforms and the importance of upholding the rule of law, good governance, and respect for human rights as Serbia progresses towards EU membership.
In addition to discussing bilateral and regional issues, Lajčak and Đurić also exchanged views on the current situation in Ukraine, Afghanistan, and other global challenges. They agreed on the importance of multilateral cooperation and solidarity in addressing shared security threats and promoting peace and stability worldwide.
Following the meeting, Lajčak expressed his satisfaction with the discussions and praised Serbia for its constructive approach to the dialogue process. He underscored the importance of maintaining open communication channels and working together to overcome differences and build trust between the two sides.
The visit of the EU Special Representative comes at a crucial time for the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, with renewed efforts underway to make progress towards a final agreement. Lajčak’s presence in Belgrade signals the EU’s continued commitment to facilitating the dialogue and supporting both Serbia and Kosovo on their path towards normalization and reconciliation.
Lajčak’s visit to Belgrade is part of his broader engagement in the Western Balkans, where he has been actively involved in promoting regional cooperation and European integration. As a key player in the dialogue process, Lajčak’s presence in the region is seen as a positive sign of the EU’s ongoing commitment to supporting peace and stability in the Western Balkans.
In conclusion, Lajčak’s meeting with Minister Đurić in Belgrade signals the EU’s continued engagement in the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue and its support for Serbia’s European integration efforts. The discussions between the two ministers laid the foundation for further cooperation and coordination in advancing the dialogue process and enhancing regional stability and security. As the dialogue progresses, the EU remains committed to serving as a mediator and facilitator in helping Serbia and Kosovo reach a durable and sustainable agreement that benefits both sides and contributes to peace and prosperity in the region.
