Đurić: Serbia and the United States Firm Partners in Preserving Regional Stability

Summarizing the results of the visit, Minister Đurić noted that a high degree of alignment in views and understanding of Serbia’s positions had been observed, particularly regarding the preservation of regional stability, economic development, and the protection of the Serbian people wherever they are endangered. He said that discussions addressed the position of Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija, the need to safeguard their rights, as well as broader regional issues, including the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the influence of certain external actors.

The minister emphasized that Serbia is respected in Washington and that its positions are considered, adding that there is a clear commitment to further developing cooperation. He also stated that President Aleksandar Vučić is recognized as a factor of stability and as someone who contributes to strengthening Serbia–U.S. relations. Although the positions of the two countries have not always been identical over the past three decades, he assessed that the current U.S. administration presents an opportunity for further advancement of relations.

Addressing criticisms that accompanied the visit, Đurić rejected allegations of purported concessions detrimental to national interests, describing them as unfounded and malicious. He recalled that Serbia–U.S. relations had in the past reached their lowest point and stressed that the very fact that a brief meeting with the U.S. Secretary of State was held, along with discussions with key officials at the National Security Council and the State Department, attests to the importance attached to Serbia.

Minister Đurić stated that, in accordance with the mandate of the President of the Republic and the determination of the state leadership, he will continue working to strengthen Serbia’s position in the United States, emphasizing that this is a matter of responsible and consistent state policy.

Referring to reports about the arrest of a group allegedly planning an assassination attempt against the President of the Republic, Đurić assessed that this represents a serious security challenge that concerns not only one individual but the stability of the entire country. He pointed out the need to examine the atmosphere in which, as he put it, lies, propaganda, and the spread of hatred create an environment in which such occurrences become possible.

The head of Serbian diplomacy underlined that Serbia remains committed to its national interests, will continue to fight to protect its people and state positions, and added that he expects further positive results this year in the fields of economic development, foreign policy, and the country’s overall progress.