Đurić: Joint Diplomatic and Consular Missions Are a Powerful Symbol of Mutual Reliance
Addressing those present, the head of Serbian diplomacy emphasized that this joint step is being taken at a time when the world appears increasingly uncertain, and that in such circumstances one thing is more important than ever—partners and friends in whom one can have trust and on whom one can rely.
“I often say that the greatest expression of friendship is not found in words or protocols, but in deeds. And perhaps the most eloquent deed of all is when you decide to share the same house. Today, Serbia and Hungary are doing exactly that. What makes this moment particularly meaningful for me personally is the fact that our relationship did not begin as something given. It was built patiently, thoughtfully and responsibly,” Đurić underlined.
He recalled that several years ago, as an adviser to then President Nikolić, he had the privilege of being directly involved in the process of historic reconciliation between Serbia and Hungary.
“At that time, we made a conscious decision to transform a difficult legacy into a shared future. This is one of the key elements of the vision shared by President Aleksandar Vučić and Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, and it is a legacy that will endure for many generations. From that moment onward, much has changed. Step by step, trust was built. Dialogue became natural,” Đurić emphasized.
According to him, political courage was accompanied by concrete actions, and over the years closeness grew—not overnight, but through consistency and mutual respect.
“Today, that reconciliation has matured into a strategic partnership that is vibrant and dynamic. It is sustained not merely by declarations, but by daily cooperation, political coordination, and a shared understanding that our national interests are best protected when we work together rather than separately. That is why today’s event has significance far beyond its technical dimension. This co-location is a political message, bearing witness to two states that have traveled the path from reconciliation to partnership, and from partnership to genuine closeness,” Đurić stressed.
The Serbian foreign minister expressed gratitude to Greece, their gracious host, which once again demonstrated openness, professionalism and a deep understanding of the importance of regional cooperation.
“All of this reflects a broader truth: trust, once built, creates momentum. The co-location we are opening today is part of that momentum. Joint diplomatic and consular missions are not only a rational and efficient solution, but also a powerful symbol of mutual reliance. They show that our two states, together with our Greek friends, see one another as partners with whom they can plan, act, and face uncertainties together,” Đurić said.
He noted that Serbia and Hungary have already relied on the valuable experiences of their established co-locations in Malta and Chile, which have demonstrated in practical terms how joint diplomatic platforms can enhance efficiency, visibility and political coordination.
“At the same time, we look forward to future arrangements in Tanzania and Vietnam, through which this model will be further expanded to different regions and contexts. By opening this joint diplomatic space in Thessaloniki, we send a clear message: reconciliation can grow into trust, trust into partnership, and partnership into real, tangible unity,” Minister Đurić concluded.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, Péter Szijjártó, thanked the Government of Serbia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Minister Đurić personally for enabling the opening of the Hungarian Consular Office within the Consulate General of Serbia in Thessaloniki under the co-location system of diplomatic and consular missions.
“This is a highly innovative and special way of establishing a diplomatic mission. This is the fifth time we have made such a decision together with Serbia. Our joint diplomatic missions are already successfully operating in Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Chile and Malta, and Thessaloniki will be the fifth location where we work together,” Szijjártó stated, emphasizing in particular that Hungary has co-locations exclusively with Serbia.
Szijjártó noted that Greece is very popular among Hungarian tourists, especially this region, and that the Consular Office will ensure fast, efficient, timely and appropriate consular services for Hungarian citizens.
He added that the joint functioning of diplomatic missions represents the clearest proof of the highest possible level of mutual trust between the two countries.
“We often say that the success of a foreign policy strategy is not measured by ideologies, but by practical results. Today’s event is one of the best examples of such practical success, from which our citizens will directly benefit,” Szijjártó emphasized, also expressing gratitude to the Government of Greece for its assistance and support for such innovative solutions in diplomacy.
