Titolo: Among the priorities of the US in the Western Balkans is the normalization of Serbia-Kosovo relations

The chargé d’affaires of the Embassy of the United States in Belgrade, Alexander Titolo, stated that the administration of President Donald Trump is seriously committed to raising relations between the US and Serbia to a higher level. He said that US priorities in the Western Balkans are peace and stability, and that the normalization of relations between Serbia and Kosovo is a significant part of that.

In an interview for NIN, Titolo spoke about Serbia being on the threshold of a new era in relations with the United States.

“This is an opportunity to revitalize the Serbian economy, strengthen business and political ties with reliable partners, and increase stability. I can give two concrete examples of strengthening bilateral ties between our countries. First, cooperation between the US and Serbian armed forces is at a high level – just last year the two militaries carried out more than 14,000 training days together, counted by all participants. The second example is the recently opened, impressive American Resource Center (ARC), within the so-called Lozionica, Serbia’s new multifunctional center for creativity and innovation. The Center testifies to American commitment and investment in Serbia, and opens new opportunities for innovation, growth, and joint creation,” Titolo said.

He noted that strengthening US–Serbia bilateral ties also depends on the ability and willingness to look ahead and work hard for a better future.

“The strategic dialogue between the US and Serbia provides exactly that framework, so my message to our Serbian partners is to focus on the tasks ahead of us, which will enable us to build a safer and more prosperous future together,” Titolo emphasized.

When asked whether the US ultimately expects Serbia to recognize Kosovo as part of reaching a lasting agreement, he replied that Washington’s priorities in the Western Balkans are peace and stability.

“The normalization of relations between Serbia and Kosovo is a significant part of that. During his speech at the United Nations in September, President Vucic said that Serbia is a bridge, not a buffer zone, a force that connects, not separates. I agree that Serbia has the capacity to be a force of connection and stabilization that can contribute to greater prosperity and security in the region,” Titolo added.

He stressed that the Trump administration is seriously committed to elevating relations between the US and Serbia to a higher level.

“This summer, for the first time in 17 years, a meeting at the level of foreign ministers was held in Washington, where Secretary Marco Rubio and Foreign Minister Marko Djuric discussed our shared desire to advance the partnership through concrete results. This is a strong signal that we want to steer relations with Serbia in a positive direction. Strengthening our relations is based on Serbia’s evident commitment to regional security and stability, which is also the foundation for improving economic cooperation and political dialogue. Serbia is an important actor in the Western Balkans and has great potential to encourage positive changes. This can be achieved by working to reduce tensions in the region and by promoting policies that create open and free markets,” Titolo said.

As for US sanctions on NIS, Titolo explained that they are not directed against Serbia, but against Russia.

“President Vucic has also publicly stated that the aim of these measures is not Serbia. Doing business with Russia carries significant risks. Removing Russian ownership from NIS would bring major benefits for Serbia, as it would significantly increase energy security and encourage investment and prosperity in the region. If things are approached this way, Serbia will be in a stronger economic position when a solution is found – and a stronger, more prosperous Serbia could open new opportunities in our relations,” he emphasized.

Regarding the recent visits of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic to Beijing and Moscow, and the question of how Washington views this, Titolo said that the US welcomes the launch of strategic dialogue with Belgrade.

“We value the commitment of President Vucic and Serbian officials to seeking closer ties with the United States, and we welcome the launch of the Strategic Dialogue between our countries. The United States is ready to be a partner to Serbia in the development of energy, technological solutions, and expanding defense cooperation. Serbia is at a crossroads, and we encourage it to make wise decisions and choose reliable partners as it strives to become a regional leader,” Titolo concluded.