Djuric: Serbia and the United States firmly committed to strengthening relations at a strategic level

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric met today, on the sidelines of the 55th Regular Session of the General Assembly of the Organization of American States in Antigua and Barbuda, with the United States Deputy Secretary of State, Christopher Landau.

Following the meeting, Djuric emphasized that Serbia and the United States are firmly committed to strengthening their relations at a strategic level. He noted that this was the second meeting with a senior U.S. official in the past month, representing an important opportunity to advance bilateral ties.

“This is a highly significant opportunity for us to speak with someone from the close circle of President Trump about improving Serbia-U.S. relations on a strategic level. What I am pleased to share after the meeting is that I am truly convinced both sides are firmly resolved and committed to actively working toward closer cooperation—not only in political terms but also in the economic, security, and many other spheres,” Djuric stated.

He added that the discussions also touched upon the potential launch of a strategic dialogue between Serbia and the United States, as well as various regional topics.

Minister Djuric specifically highlighted the situation of the Serbian people in Kosovo and Metohija, along with other challenges Serbia is facing.

He expressed satisfaction that the talks recognized numerous opportunities for enhancing cooperation and alignment of interests between the two countries.

The head of Serbian diplomacy also underlined the importance of the personal relationship between Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and President Donald Trump, which he said was affirmed immediately after the U.S. presidential election. In that context, the minister conveyed Serbia’s desire to host the U.S. President in Belgrade.

“We wish to showcase our traditional hospitality. There is no doubt that such a welcome would be warmer and more festive than in many other capitals that pride themselves on their long-standing ties with the United States,” Djuric said.

Minister Djuric also commented on the decision by the U.S. administration to postpone the imposition of sanctions on the Petroleum Industry of Serbia (NIS), stressing that this move was a further confirmation of the high-quality and ongoing communication between Serbia and the United States.

He noted that he took the opportunity to thank the Deputy Secretary of State for the decision, emphasizing that although there remains a need for a broader resolution of relations between major powers such as the United States and the Russian Federation, it was crucial that Serbian citizens not suffer negative consequences.