Blinken congratulated on the Statehood Day: The US values the strategic partnership with Serbia

The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has congratulated, on behalf of the people of the United States, Serbia's Statehood Day and emphasized that the US encouraged Serbia to fulfill its obligations and continue forward through the EU-facilitated dialogue to achieve a comprehensive agreement on the normalization of relations with Kosovo.

In Blinken's congratulations, it is stated that the US values the strategic partnership with Serbia and looks forward to strengthening bilateral ties and fostering a more stable, secure, and prosperous future for both the Serbs and Americans.

"I wish the people of Serbia a peaceful and prosperous day and year ahead. We are committed to supporting your goal - membership in the European Union - and look forward to working with Serbia's new government and our European partners to help Serbia meet the criteria for EU accession. The United States encourages Serbia to fulfill its obligations and continue forward through the EU-facilitated dialogue to achieve a comprehensive agreement on normalization with Kosovo," the statement from the State Department reads.

Blinken also stated that the US looked forward to further economic, energy security, and defense cooperation with Serbia.

"We deeply appreciate your support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine as they continue to resist Russia's aggression. Serbia's participation in United Nations and EU peacekeeping missions and its deployment alongside US forces in the Multinational Force and Observers mission in Sinai are examples of the invaluable role Serbia plays in enhancing peace and security at regional and global levels," Blinken added.

He congratulated Serbia on the successful bid to host the World Expo 27 and wished success in preparations for this exceptional event.