Exhibition marking 145 years of diplomatic relations between Serbia and the United States Opens; Djuric: The best period is yet to come

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric and Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy in Belgrade Alexander Titolo today opened the exhibition “From Convention to Partnership,” dedicated to 145 years of diplomatic relations between Serbia and the United States, emphasizing that the two countries, drawing on a long history of cooperation and shared values, are today building a partnership focused on the future and mutual prosperity.

Addressing the audience, Djuric noted that the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution provides an opportunity to reflect on the universal values of freedom, the rule of law, strong institutions, and government in service of its citizens—values that continue to resonate far beyond the borders of the United States, according to a statement issued by the Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Speaking about the history of bilateral relations, Djuric recalled that diplomatic ties between Serbia and the United States were established following the 1881 trade agreement and the arrival of the first U.S. envoy, Eugene Schuyler, in Belgrade in 1882. He emphasized that the two countries developed a partnership throughout history, particularly during the First World War when they were allies. He also recalled that on July 28, 1918, the Serbian flag was raised at the White House—the first and only time the flag of another nation was displayed there—in honor of the Serbian Army and its sacrifices for the Allied victory.

Djuric also highlighted the friendship between Mihajlo Pupin and President Woodrow Wilson, as well as the alliance between Serbia and the United States during the Second World War. He particularly singled out Operation Halyard, during which the Serbian population rescued more than 600 American airmen, stressing that it remains the largest rescue operation of Allied pilots carried out during the entire war. He further noted that the period following the Second World War was marked by intensive cooperation, including the development of the Yugoslav armed forces with U.S. support after Yugoslavia’s split with Stalin.

Reflecting on subsequent decades, Djuric stated that relations remained strong during the era of the Non-Aligned Movement, while the 1990s brought significant strains and left a negative imprint on bilateral ties.

“Nevertheless, thanks to the efforts of both sides and their commitment to opening a new chapter of cooperation, Serbia and the United States are today building a partnership focused on the future and the shared interests of their peoples,” he said.

Djuric emphasized that Serbia views the further development of relations with the United States with optimism, describing the U.S. as an important political, cultural, and economic partner, particularly in the services sector. He also underscored the importance of the Serbian community in America, numbering more than one million people of Serbian descent, noting that it serves as a vital bridge between the two countries.

Expressing confidence that, through the vision and cooperation of the leaderships of both countries, headed by President Aleksandar Vučic and President Donald Trump, relations between Serbia and the United States will be elevated to the level of a strategic partnership in the coming period, Djuric stated that the best chapter in Serbian-American relations is still ahead.

Chargé d’Affaires Alexander Titolo highlighted that Serbia and the United States are connected by shared values and numerous figures who have shaped the history and culture of both nations, including Nikola Tesla, Mihajlo Pupin, and Milutin Milankovic, as well as generations of Serbian and American athletes.

He assessed that Serbia and the United States are today building a new era of relations based on mutual respect, economic and technological cooperation, and the close ties between their peoples.

Also addressing those in attendance were Acting Director of the National Library of Serbia Jasmina Ninkov and the exhibition’s curator Marija Milosevic. The opening ceremony was also attended by Minister of Domestic and Foreign Trade Jagoda Lazarevic.