Djuric, Swiss ambassador discuss bilateral ties, situation in Kosovo-Metohija

BELGRADE - Serbian FM Marko Djuric met with Swiss Ambassador to Belgrade Anne Lugon-Moulin on Thursday to inform her of the gravity of the situation of Serbs in the Autonomous Province of Kosovo-Metohija, caused by Pristina's unilateral moves and continued gross violations of human rights and democratic principles as well as all agreements, and noted the necessity of international presence to protect the Serbs' rights and security.

The parties also discussed a continuation of a positive dynamics of political dialogue between Serbia and Switzerland and meetings at the highest level, the Serbian MFA said in a statement.

Djuric noted that Serbia highly valued its relations with Switzerland and said the holding of regular political consultations between the two MFAs was an example of good practices and an extremely significant format for an exchange on matters of mutual interest.

He thanked Switzerland for its significant bilateral donations and development aid in many areas, noting that Switzerland was one of Serbia's most important development partners.

Djuric said economic cooperation had also been developing intensively in all segments in recent years, reaching record highs, and that, according to the latest figures, overall bilateral goods and services trade had exceeded 2 bln euros.

The meeting also addressed the upcoming Swiss OSCE chairpersonship in 2026 - in that context, Djuric conveyed Serbia's "openness to and readiness for any form of consultations, support and assistance," the statement also said.