Vucic with Tenney: Thank you to the US for understanding the need to respect the rights of Serbs and other non-Albanian populations in Kosovo and Metohija

President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic awarded the Co-Chair of the Serbian Caucus in the US House of Representatives, Claudia Tenney, with the Order of the Serbian Flag, First Class.

On that occasion, Vucic emphasized that today, with pride, "we can say that the positive momentum in the relationship between the Republic of Serbia and the United States is opening new opportunities with the prospect of developing cooperation through the mechanism of strategic dialogue, especially in the period following the election victory of US President Donald Trump."

He highlighted that Serbia has been fighting for nearly two decades with all diplomatic means to preserve its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and remains fully committed to finding a sustainable solution to the issue of Kosovo and Metohija, with full respect for the basic principles of international law and the legally binding resolutions of the United Nations Security Council.

"We greatly appreciate the United States’ support on our path toward full EU membership, which is one of our country’s strategic goals. Equally important is your continuous support for maintaining stability, peace, and security in the Western Balkans region, as well as your contribution to the process of normalizing relations between Belgrade and Pristina through dialogue, regardless of our differences on that crucial issue for Serbia. I especially thank you for understanding the need to respect the rights of Serbs and other non-Albanian populations in Kosovo and Metohija, as well as for your courageous criticisms of Pristina’s unilateral actions when those rights were violated," Vucic stated.

The President of Serbia also said that Tenney has always preserved, fostered, and nurtured friendship with Serbia.

"We are immensely grateful for that. We want you to feel at home here in Serbia. It is therefore my great honor to present you with this decoration for your exceptional contribution to developing and strengthening cooperation and international relations between the Republic of Serbia and the United States – the Order of the Serbian Flag, First Class. Thank you very much for all you have done for our friendship," Vucic emphasized.

He recalled the nearly 150-year-long history of diplomatic relations between the two countries, dating back to 1881.

"Given their longevity and historical alliance, we are committed to strengthening those ties in the future. The cooperation between our countries has historically been marked by a joint struggle for shared values, which we upheld in difficult times. And indeed, during global conflicts, we stood together, side by side, on the right side of history. A shining example of courage and dedication is the rescue operation of American pilots in the village of Pranjani during Operation Halyard, one of the most successful rescue missions of World War II, whose 80th anniversary we commemorated together last year," Vucic said.

The President also noted that an important aspect of bilateral dialogue is ongoing cooperation and regular communication with members of the US Congress, in which, as he recalled, the Serbian Caucus has been active since 2004, with Tenney serving as its co-chair.