Macut at the Ambassadors’ Conference: Diplomats as the First Line of Defence in Achieving Serbia’s Strategic Goals

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia, Prof. Dr. Đuro Macut, stated today at the Ambassadors’ Conference that Serbian diplomats must serve as the first line of defence in advancing Serbia’s strategic objectives, safeguarding its territorial integrity and sovereignty, and pursuing membership in the European Union, while also working in coordination with all state institutions to help shape a distinct profile by which Serbia will be recognised in the countries where they serve.

“The struggle to preserve territorial integrity and sovereignty, and to safeguard our southern province as part of Serbia, remains the number one priority for all of us. Always and at every moment, wherever you may be, you must bear in mind that Kosovo and Metohija was, is, and will remain part of Serbia,” Macut said in his closing address on the first day of the Ambassadors’ Conference, which is being held today and tomorrow in Belgrade and brings together ambassadors, heads of Serbia’s missions to international organisations, and consuls general.

He told diplomats that, regardless of how much their hosts in certain countries might try to persuade them otherwise or suggest that Serbia would be better off relinquishing this issue, they know full well that Serbia cannot exist without Kosovo and Metohija as an integral part of its statehood.

He recalled that earlier today they had heard - from the President of Serbia, the President of the National Assembly, and members of the Government - that Serbia’s goals remain clear and unchanged.

“Therefore, always and everywhere, particularly within international organisations, make sure that this position is made absolutely clear to all those with whom you engage,” Macut stressed.

He underlined that Serbia’s European path and full membership in the European Union constitute a clear, unequivocal and unquestionable strategic commitment.

“Regardless of the fact that we have yet to open that much-discussed cluster, we will continue to implement reforms aimed at improving the quality of life of our citizens and to meet all technical requirements, so that we are fully prepared when a political decision is taken to accelerate our European path,” he said.

Macut instructed diplomats that whenever anyone questions Serbia’s commitment in this regard, they should remind them that Serbia is, in every sense - geographical, cultural, political and economic - an integral part of Europe, and that the European Union will never be complete until Serbia and the entire Western Balkans become its full members.

He also noted that diplomats carrying the Serbian flag in countries across Africa and Asia are expected to knock on the doors once opened by the former Yugoslavia, so that present-day Serbia may pass through them.

“In today’s world, where naked interest often prevails above all else, there are nevertheless countries that remember a time when words carried weight, when politics was founded on principles, and when the name of our capital was spoken with respect,” Macut said, adding that it is Serbia’s obligation to capitalise on this sentiment in order to establish new relationships on solid foundations.

According to him, it is not enough to live off memories and the celebration of the Non-Aligned Movement and anti-colonialism; rather, new partnerships must be built upon those foundations.

“In addition to being known for Tito, we need to be recognised as reliable partners in areas such as information technologies, the defence industry, and educational cooperation,” the Prime Minister said, stressing that it is up to Serbian diplomats, in cooperation with all state bodies, to create a distinctive identity by which Serbia will be recognised in the countries where they serve.

Macut called on all Serbian diplomats, upon returning to their posts, to remember all those who sacrificed their lives for Serbia and all the great figures produced by the country, as only in this way will diplomacy - rather than politics alone - become the art of the possible.

“I have a heartfelt request for you. When you return to your posts around the world, take a good look at the flag flying on the buildings of our embassies and consulates general and remember what it represents. Remember how many people sacrificed their lives, how much youth was lost, so that it could fly proudly across the world,” Macut said.

He added that this should be borne in mind at all times, as diplomats represent all those who gave themselves for this country, as well as those who lived for it.

“You represent a people of a freedom-loving spirit, a proud people with a great history, tradition and culture. A people who have given the world some of the greatest minds in various fields. A people who love their country above all else.

A country that is unique, irreplaceable and, for us, certainly the most beautiful in the world. A country built by the sweat of Serbian peasants as much as by the pen of the finest French-educated scholars. A homeland that stands above all of us and which we all serve. If you remind yourselves of all this every morning, then diplomacy - rather than politics alone - will truly become the art of the possible,” Macut concluded. 

Source: Tanjug