Djuric: Many reasons for Serbia and the United States to work together; I am confident significant results lie ahead

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, Marko Djuric, stated this evening, on the occasion of marking 250 years of independence of the United States, that there are many reasons today for the two countries to work together, expressing confidence that significant results lie ahead.

Djuric recalled that he had spent several years in Washington with his family, working to contribute to closer relations between the two countries.

“During that period, as a Serb with a deep appreciation for history, I regularly—almost every month—visited Mount Vernon, the estate and home of George Washington, as well as Alexandria, Gettysburg, and many other historic sites. In total, I visited 26 of your beautiful states,” Djuric said.

He pointed out that there are striking similarities between Serbian history at the beginning of the 19th century and American history at the end of the 18th century in many respects.

“I particularly like to draw comparisons between General Washington and our founding leader, Karadjordje. Both were outstanding military leaders, and both, from the very outset, were engaged in building their nations and institutions. When I analyze General Washington’s path and all the key battles—from Bunker Hill, Lexington, Concord, to Yorktown—and compare them with our own struggles in Serbia for independence and the restoration of the state, I feel the same spirit—the same spirit of freedom, the same spirit of a people who wish to govern their own destiny, to have a government of the people, by the people, and for the people,” the Serbian Foreign Minister emphasized.

He reiterated his belief that, in today’s context, there are many reasons for the two countries to work together.

“We recall that we stood on the same side in both World Wars, that we established diplomatic relations in 1882, and that the first American envoy, Eugene Schuyler, lived in a house at 7 Francuska Street, where our literary society is still located today. All of this is deeply intertwined with the history of Belgrade,” Djuric noted.

He stressed that much remains to be done for the future.

“Over the past year, Serbia has had the honor of being hosted on several occasions by representatives of the administration of Donald Trump. President Aleksandar Vucic has instructed us to intensify efforts to advance cooperation across all areas, and I am confident that significant results lie ahead,” Djuric underlined.

He also expressed satisfaction that Belgrade is hosting such a cultural event, expressing hope that many more will follow in the future.

“Belgrade seeks to welcome many prominent artists. We will also work towards bringing an NBA team to Belgrade, which I believe will be very well received. Although I do not have a glass in my hand, I raise a toast—to Serbia, to America, and to our friendship and partnership in the years to come,” Minister Djuric concluded.