Djuric in Washington: Let us unlock the full potential of Serbia–U.S. relations this year

Serbian Minister of Foreign Affairs Marko Djuric has begun a working visit to Washington, during which he will discuss key issues of state and national policy with U.S. officials, with the aim— as he stated—of unlocking the full potential of relations between Serbia and the United States this year.

“At the White House, in Congress, at the State Department, as well as with representatives of civil society, I will discuss the most important topics for Serbia—regional security and stability, the position of our people, Kosovo and Metohija, as well as strategic issues such as economic cooperation and energy. Through these talks, we are seeking to give additional momentum to our relations, with the goal of unlocking the full potential of Serbia–U.S. relations this year,” Djuric said at the start of his visit.

He emphasized that relations with the United States represent a major opportunity for Serbia, particularly during Donald Trump’s term, and that he intends to make the most of that opportunity.

“There is no state or national issue for Serbs and Serbia for which it is not important that we secure understanding and support here. This applies to the position of our people, Kosovo and Metohija, regional relations, and also to the field of energy,” Djuric said, adding that he will hold an important meeting at the White House with the Director of the U.S. Agency for Global Energy Dominance.

“To continue ensuring that energy sources are diversified,” Djuric stated, noting that Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Djedovic-Handanovic will also travel to Washington.

He particularly highlighted that he will participate in the AIPAC conference, which he described as the largest American-Israeli political action committee.

“One of our goals and efforts is that, within this triangle of excellent cooperation with Israel and the United States, Serbia fully utilize the advantages of its historic friendly relations with the State of Israel and the Jewish people—something that is insufficiently known here. We want to use that cooperation as well for the goals and interests of Serbia,” the head of Serbian diplomacy underlined.

He stressed that it is important for Serbia’s voice to be heard regularly in the United States.

“That is why this visit is taking place at the beginning of the year, in which we expect the realization of a strategic partnership and dialogue with the United States,” he added.

Djuric said that the Serbian Oil Industry (NIS) will certainly be one of the topics of discussion, though not the only one.

“It is important that we have ensured the continued operation of our refinery, and we are here to make sure that issues such as U.S.–Russia relations do not present an obstacle for us. One of the topics is the enormous potential for cooperation stemming from the fact that we have a strategic partnership in the field of energy, that plans are in place for developing new hydropower capacities on the Danube, and that contracts and projects worth approximately 1.8 billion have already been signed in the field of solar energy. It is important for economic relations to improve, because that is reflected in political relations as well. How we are perceived here—as a country and a people, as partners—forms a stronger economic and political foundation for our relations. The stronger that foundation, the more momentum we will have for important issues such as Kosovo and Metohija, the position of Serbs in the region, and similar matters,” Djuric explained.

He pointed out that Donald Trump’s administration has fundamentally changed its approach toward Bosnia and Herzegovina, The Republic of Srpska, and the position of Serbs, and that the strategic dialogue with Pristina has been put on hold due to the position of Serbs in Kosovo.

“There is far greater understanding of internal circumstances, and the fact is that Serbia and the Serbs are today perceived more than ever as one of the key partners in this part of Europe,” Djuric said.
According to him, if one looks at the strategic picture of Europe and the world today, it is clear that Serbia cannot achieve its priorities—from Kosovo and The Republic of Srpska to economic development and its position within Europe—without an excellent relationship with the U.S. government.

“That is why we are here—to use contacts built over many years, into which much energy has been invested. We will also discuss global policy; tomorrow I expect a meeting at the White House with individuals who are authors of the U.S. National Security Strategy. It is important for Serbia to be recognized as what it truly is—a valuable piece of the mosaic of stability and security in Europe and part of the solution, not the problem, as some regional rivals attempt to portray us. I will always come here to present our arguments, to explain what is happening in Kosovo and Metohija and in the region, and to seek support for Serbia and the Serbian people,” Djuric concluded.