U.S. Embassy in Belgrade reception; Vucic: Historic alliance provides a strong foundation for even closer relations

The U.S. Embassy in Belgrade today marked the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States with a formal reception. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic attended the event, stating that the historic alliance between Serbia and the United States could serve as a solid foundation for building even stronger bilateral relations.

Guests were welcomed by U.S. Embassy Chargé d'Affaires Alexander Titolo, Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Erin Kotheimer, and Colonel Joshua Kasser and his wife, RTV reported.

Opening the ceremony, Titolo said that this year was historic not only for the United States, but also for U.S.-Serbian relations.

He emphasized that the new era of U.S.-Serbian relations is being shaped above all by the people who are demonstrating what can be achieved when individuals work together to turn ideas into tangible results.

"I am convinced that the best years of U.S.-Serbian relations are still ahead of us. Thank you for your partnership, friendship, and support—not only today, but also for the future we are building together," Titolo said.

On the occasion of U.S. Independence Day, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic extended his congratulations to the American people and to President Donald Trump, wishing them peace, success, and prosperity.

"I believe that our historic alliance can serve as a strong foundation for building even better relations in the future. Serbia remains committed to peace, dialogue, and cooperation with partners around the world, convinced that open dialogue and mutual respect produce the best outcomes for our citizens," Vucic wrote on Instagram.

Among those attending the reception were Patriarch Porfirije of the Serbian Orthodox Church, Foreign Minister Marko Djuric, Interior Minister Ivica Dacic, Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic, Minister of Economy Adrijana Mesarovic, Minister of Construction Aleksandra Sofronijevic, and Minister of Education Dejan Vuk Stankovic.

The reception, held at the American Center in Lozionica, was also attended by the President of the Provincial Government Maja Gojkovic, Telekom Srbija CEO Vladimir Lucic, as well as representatives of religious communities and the diplomatic corps.

During the ceremony, Titolo presented the U.S. Embassy Friendship Award to Serbian Armed Forces Major Marko Drizic, Lozionica Director Ana Ilic, and Director of the Office for IT and eGovernment Mihailo Jovanovic, praising them for creating something that would endure for generations.

"This award is presented only once every 250 years. I would like to thank Ana and Mihailo for everything they have done to build this complex and this partnership," Titolo said.

The ceremony opened with a Marine Corps march, a flag salute, the performance of the national anthems of Serbia and the United States, and the screening of a short film commemorating U.S. independence.