Washington: Ambassador Đurić with Congresswoman Escobar on relations between Serbia and the United States

31. Jul 2021.
The Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to the United States of America, Marko Đurić, met today in Congress with the Democratic Congresswoman, member of the House Armed Services Committee, Veronica Escobar.

In light of the 140th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, Ambassador Đurić assessed that today's relations between Serbia and the United States, in terms of their content and development, can match the former level of true partnership that has often distinguished our two countries throughout history.

Recalling that this year marks the 15th anniversary of cooperation between the Serbian Army and the Ohio National Guard within the State Partnership Program, Đurić emphasized that cooperation between Serbia and America in the field of defence and security is the backbone of overall bilateral relations, as well as that there is mutual interest for this cooperation to continue and expand to new areas.

Referring to the concept of "Open Balkans", Đurić explained in more detail that this is a regional initiative that aims to improve the living standards of citizens by enabling a free flow of labour, goods, capital and service delivery systems.

He specified that the initiative came from the common vision of President Vučić, Prime Minister of Northern Macedonia Zaev and Prime Minister of Albania Rama, and that the most important thing is to expand it in the period ahead of us, by seeing other partners join this promising format of cooperation.

Regarding Serbia's economic progress, Ambassador Đurić informed Congresswoman Escobar about the fact that Serbia's growth rate in the first six months of this year is an incredible 7.5%, which is proof that President Vučić's projections on the overall growth rate for 2021 will be more than realized.

"These latest data confirm that our country, even in the second pandemic year, ranks at the very top of Europe in terms of its economic strength and stability. For us, the only path is the one that goes straight ahead and we will continue to strive to strengthen Serbia both internally and externally – through cooperation with major economic powers such as the United States", concluded Đurić.