Djuric: A new chapter begins in Serbia–U.S. relations

The launch of the Strategic Dialogue today marks the beginning of a new chapter in relations between Serbia and the United States, Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric said in Washington, adding that he had also discussed the situation in the region with the highest-ranking representatives of the U.S. administration and stressed that the Serbs in Kosovo need assistance and support.

“A new chapter in relations between Serbia and the United States began today, and I congratulate all the citizens of Serbia on the establishment of the strategic partnership between Serbia and the United States. This is something we did not have even during the era of the former Yugoslavia,” Djuric said.

He particularly emphasized that the entire senior leadership of the U.S. Department of State participated in the meetings with the Serbian delegation.

“The session was opened by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. We also had a brief meeting with him, followed by working-group discussions with the Assistant Secretaries of State responsible for energy and trade, as well as representatives of the Pentagon. Over the past 24 hours, we also met with representatives of NASA, and the culmination was our meeting with Christopher Landau, with whom we worked last year on assistance to the Republic of Srpska and on stabilizing the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” the minister said.

Djuric stated that the discussions covered a broad range of topics, beginning with energy, noting the importance of Serbia continuing to strengthen its energy security, develop new energy corridors, expand its electricity-generation capacities, and improve transport infrastructure.

He also stressed the importance of the agreement signed in the field of education.

The minister further noted that the parties held detailed discussions on the situation in the region and on ways to advance their respective interests and make them even more complementary.

“I conveyed the greetings of the people from Kosovo and Metohija, who need assistance and support. I also raised the issue of the Visoki Decani Monastery and the need to ensure its protection, given the military presence surrounding it and the fact that it has remained on the list of the world's most endangered heritage sites for many years. That military presence should continue,” Minister Djuric pointed out.

He added that there was virtually no significant issue left unaddressed, emphasizing that this is important because it will establish regular communication between the two countries.

“This is not a one-off event. It will continue on a regular basis and will include the development of cooperation plans involving various ministries. That does not mean we will always agree on everything or see every issue in the same way. Serbia pursues an independent foreign policy, but we have reached a firm consensus that we want a strategic partnership, long-term cooperation, and better relations. The administrations of Donald Trump and Aleksandar Vucic are ushering Serbia and the United States into a new era of relations,” Djuric said.

Responding to criticism directed at him, the minister said he would not engage with such attacks.

“I dedicate this achievement to all the citizens of Serbia, convinced that we will continue to stand united and achieve good results in the future,” Minister Djuric concluded.