Power: Biden strongly supports the process of normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina

Direcotr of the American Agency for International Development (USAID), Samantha Power, said today that the main message of President Joe Biden is that the United States of America strongly supports the process of normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina, because the entire region is of great importance for America, reports Blic.

"President Biden's main message is how important the normalization process is and how much we want to support the process, and we're encouraged by the progress that's been made so far," Power said. 

Answering the question of how USAID can influence the normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina, she said that they are aware that there is a lot of skepticism about whether a solution will emerge and where it leads Serbia and Kosovo, but she explained that the path of economic integration, relief investments in business for foreign investors and increased interest of the private sector, lead to the knowledge that this region is stable.

"I'm here to understand how USAID can help. We recognize the importance of prosperity for the people of both countries, and obviously if normalization happens, it will unlock economic opportunities that will be immensely important for the people of Serbia and Kosovo," Power said. 

She emphasizes that the region and dialogue are extremely important for President Biden, who has a long history with this region, with Serbia and its people, and reminded that he sent official Derek Chollet to the region several times, as well as Ambassador Hill. 

She said she was looking forward to tomorrow's conversation with IT entrepreneurs and energy producers and emphasized that energy independence is something that all countries strive for.

"I am also looking forward to the conversation with President Aleksandar Vucic and Prime Minister Ana Brnabic about what else USAID can do for the Serbian people and as a catalyst to advance these sensitive talks," she said. 

According to her, the economic aspects of the region are encouraging and this is something that USAID is proud of.

"Economic opportunity is a form of dignity, when you can see that partnership programs will improve people's quality of life, more jobs, allow young talent to know they can build lives here, that will be reinforced by normalizing relationships," Power said.

She stated that she sympathizes with the parents who lost their children in the tragic events that befell Serbia last week.