Paramaribo (Suriname): President Droupadi Murmu, in the continuation of her two-nation tour, has embarked on a trip to Serbia after concluding her visit to Suriname. She will be in Serbia on a state visit until June 9, at the invitation of Serbian President Aleksander Vucic. Prior to her trip to Serbia, President Murmu visited Suriname from June 4 to 6, accepting an invitation from Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santokhi.
According to media reports, President Murmu’s visit to Serbia coincides with a period of increased tensions in Kosovo. Kosovo, which declared independence from Serbia in 2008, has witnessed clashes and protests due to the election of ethnically Albanian mayors. These events have resulted in numerous injuries among NATO peacekeepers engaged in conflicts with ethnic Serbs, sparking concerns of a potential escalation between Serbia and Kosovo.
Nonetheless, India’s Ministry of External Affairs has emphasised that India does not recognise Kosovo’s declaration of independence. They have further stated that President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to Serbia will remain unaffected by the situation in Kosovo.
Addressing a special briefing on the President’s visit to Suriname and Serbia, MEA’s Secretary West Sanjay Verma said, “Well, we are aware of the recent disturbances in Kosovo, which is at the extreme southern tip of Serbia. We have no reason at this point of time, as I say this, to be concerned that those incidents will have any consequence on the state visit of my president, nor have we been suggested otherwise by the hosts.”
He also added that, “On the matter of Kosovo, our stance has been quite clear and consistent that we do not recognise the declaration of independence by Kosovo. We, however, also believe that any differences need to be resolved through dialogue.”
Serbia does not recognise Kosovo’s sovereignty, and it is supported by China, Russia, and five other European Union (EU) nations that do not recognise the country.
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