Djuric: Talks in the U.S. a step toward better understanding of Serbia’s national priorities

Minister of Foreign Affairs Marko Djuric stated today that the objective of his visit to Washington was to create a favorable climate for addressing the strategic national issues of the Serbian people, both in Serbia and in the region, through the strengthening of relations with the United States, as well as to further consolidate the positive momentum in U.S.–Serbian relations.

“A successful and substantive week for Serbia in Washington. We held excellent discussions with senior U.S. officials at the White House, the National Security Council, and Congress. We are genuinely working to create a climate conducive to addressing the strategic national issues of the Serbian people, in Serbia and in the region, through the prism of strengthening relations. Our goal is to further solidify the positive momentum in U.S.–Serbian relations and improve our position in Washington,” Djuric told journalists.
He conveyed that he had a very detailed discussion with U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor Andrew Baker regarding the situation in the region, informing him about Serbia’s plans and ambitions both in terms of bilateral relations and regarding the position of the Serbian people, particularly in Kosovo, but also in the broader region.
He added that virtually no regional or European issue was left untouched during the meeting, and that discussions were conducted at a high level of understanding and alignment on various matters, which, he emphasized, is of great importance for Serbia.
Regarding his meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Djuric said he expressed appreciation for Rubio’s constructive and friendly approach toward Serbia and the region.
“I briefly addressed the situation concerning Serbia’s membership in the Board for Peace. I also expressed the desire for senior U.S. officials to visit Serbia in the near future. This type of meeting, as well as the discussions I have had and those I will have tomorrow at the State Department with Brendan Hanrahan, in a way places Serbia on the map of the Donald Trump administration,” Djuric underlined.

He noted the importance of awareness within the U.S. administration of the sympathy that exists among the Serbian people for President Donald Trump and the fact that Serbia is likely the country where Trump enjoys the highest popularity compared to any other European state. He added that this goes beyond mere sympathy, as Trump is pursuing a different policy toward Europe and the region, and that there is a sincere desire to open a new chapter in relations with the United States.
“There were many topics, and we covered them all in detail. I am satisfied with how the talks unfolded. This is a step forward not only for bilateral relations between Serbia and the United States, but also toward a greater degree of understanding of our national priorities in the field of the economy and on issues important to us, such as the position of the Serbian people in the region,” the Serbian Foreign Minister stated.
Speaking about his meeting with Jared Agen, Executive Director of the U.S. Energy Dominance Council, regarding the issue of NIS, Djuric said he sensed considerable goodwill for further advancing relations with Serbia.
“Agen’s messages are a positive signal, and we will continue to work closely on resolving this issue. We are grateful for the understanding that Serbia should not be placed between two fires in the competition among major powers,” the minister stressed.
Commenting on President Trump’s address to the nation, Djuric assessed that Trump’s messages were positive for the region and reflected a change in the U.S. approach to numerous global issues.
“From them we see that America is reassessing certain previous policies and seeking new partnerships with countries whose relations may previously have been strained or neglected. We have worked in recent years to improve relations, but it seems that the doors are now even more open. If we analyze Trump’s speech, which in length and substance was among the most comprehensive in recent decades, we will see that there is space there for us to pursue our objectives. It represents a new approach, in a sense a new world, in terms of relations between Washington and Europe and other global actors,” he explained.
In such circumstances, he added, Serbia has every reason to continue strengthening its efforts and engagement in the United States.
He also conveyed that, according to initial U.S. public opinion polls conducted after the speech, President Trump received directly positive results, with two-thirds of citizens evaluating his address favorably, indicating that the messages resonated strongly.
Djuric also referred to his participation at the AIPAC conference.
“I did not come to engage in domestic politics, but I was truly filled with pride at the AIPAC session when I saw how much respect exists among members of Congress and the Jewish community for what President Aleksandar Vucic has done to support the Jewish people in difficult times following the terrorist attack of October 7—because Israeli clubs played in Serbia, and particularly because of the assistance provided to hostage Alon Ohel, who is also a Serbian citizen. Serbia is a country that traditionally and historically maintains good relations with the Jewish people,” Djuric said.
Pointing to AIPAC’s influence, he observed that it is beneficial for Serbia’s national interests that the country’s leadership is well regarded within such an organization.
He also addressed his meeting with Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, whom he described as a great friend of the Serbian people.
“Tenney is truly like a sister to us—she loves our region, the Serbian people, the country, Belgrade. It is a genuine pleasure to have such friends,” Djuric said, recalling that she had proposed legislation requiring the establishment of the Community of Serb-Majority Municipalities prior to any support being extended to the government in Pristina.