Djuric: Serbia to Put in Additional Effort in Improving Relations with Croatia

mfa.gov.rs

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric said in Subotica on June 19 that Serbia would invest additional efforts in opportunities to improve relations with Croatia, while continuing to treat the Croatian community in Serbia with respect.

Addressing a commemorative ceremony at the Subotica City Hall marking a holiday celebrated by the Croatian community in Serbia - the Day of the Birth of Bishop Ivan Antunovic - Djuric also said it is significant that the Croatian government is showing respect for the Serb community in Croatia.

"I can assure you that the Government of Serbia will make additional efforts to improve relations between Serbia and Croatia. We will continue to treat the Croat community in Serbia with care and respect. I believe it is very important that the Croatian government is also showing respect for the Serb community in Croatia and providing financial support, just like we invest in Croatian communities here," Djuric said.

Djuric said the Serbian authorities "feel a historic responsibility for the future", wishing that, unlike the past, the future is shaped "not only by cooperation but also by genuine mutual respect." "That respect is the key word in our discussions today, which were very good. I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving me the honor of congratulating the Croatian community in Serbia on its holiday on behalf of the Serbian state. You have every reason to feel at home here and to be proud of who you are," Djuric added.