Đurić: We can expect acceleration in all areas of cooperation with Switzerland

“Switzerland is a global leader in numerous advanced technologies, and it also plays a delicate balancing role in geopolitics. Like Serbia, it is a militarily neutral and independent country, committed to contributing to peace and security on our continent. Both countries share a vision of halting and resolving ongoing conflicts. In this regard, our interests are aligned—especially as Switzerland is set to chair the OSCE next year. I believe we can achieve a great deal together,” Minister Đurić stated.

He noted that Switzerland is a key partner for EXPO 2027 and was the first country to confirm its participation in this prestigious global event, which will be hosted in Belgrade. Minister Đurić conveyed that his interlocutors are looking forward to attending the exposition and praised the fact that representatives from 154 countries participated in last week’s preparatory meeting in Belgrade, expressing admiration for Serbia’s organizational efforts.

The Minister also highlighted the positive remarks from Swiss political officials regarding the vision of President Vučić in the implementation of dual education. He emphasized that Serbia has, among other models, drawn from the Swiss experience in introducing a system that allows young people to pursue professional education while working in companies across various sectors.

He particularly stressed the importance of the Serbian diaspora in Switzerland, officially numbering over 130,000 and likely more in reality, as one of the key pillars of bilateral cooperation.

“Our new Ambassador to Bern, Mr. Trifunović, who began his duties this week, will have an important role in strengthening the organization and engagement of the Serbian diaspora—both toward our Swiss hosts and in maintaining ties with Serbia. Like many other nations—Jews, Greeks, Armenians—we must develop the tools and methodologies to activate our intellectually, culturally, and materially rich diaspora as a strategic instrument for strengthening Serbia’s global position,” Minister Đurić emphasized.

He noted that the reception in Switzerland was warm and marked by a high degree of respect, and underlined that even on issues where the two countries may have different views—such as the status of Kosovo and Metohija—Switzerland can play a constructive role in supporting normalization and regional stabilization.

“That is why expectations following this visit are truly high. We will continue to intensify our cooperation, especially in the economic domain. In addition to meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, I also held discussions with the State Secretary for Economic Affairs, the President of the Swiss Parliament, members of the Parliamentary Friendship Group, and representatives of the business community. I believe we can expect to see accelerated cooperation across the board,” Minister Đurić stated.

He concluded by expressing admiration for Switzerland’s efforts to strengthen its economic resilience in the face of global economic challenges.

“We are leaving Switzerland with the conviction that the model it followed throughout the 20th century—preserving stability and peace while maintaining an autonomous, people-driven internal and foreign policy—is a course that Serbia can also pursue. From a once modest country, Switzerland became one of the richest nations in the world. I firmly believe that if we remain committed to development and stability, we too can achieve this transformation—within this very generation,” Minister Marko Đurić concluded.