Đurić: Serbia and the United States Firmly Committed to Strengthening Relations at the Strategic Level

Following the meeting, Minister Đurić stated that Serbia and the United States are firmly committed to strengthening their relationship on a strategic level. He emphasized that this was the second meeting with a high-ranking U.S. official in the past month, presenting an important opportunity to advance bilateral relations.

“This is an extremely important opportunity for us to speak with someone from President Trump’s close circle about strengthening Serbia–U.S. relations at a strategic level. What I am pleased to share after the meeting is that I am genuinely convinced both sides are determined and committed to actively working on bringing our countries closer together — politically, economically, in the field of security, and in many other areas,” Đurić stated.

During the conversation, he added, they also discussed the possibility of initiating a strategic dialogue between Serbia and the United States, as well as a range of regional issues.

Minister Đurić specifically drew attention to the position of the Serbian people in Kosovo and Metohija and other challenges Serbia is facing. He expressed satisfaction that the talks identified numerous opportunities for enhancing cooperation and revealed a strong alignment of interests between the two countries.

The Serbian Foreign Minister also highlighted the importance of the personal relationship between the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, and President Donald Trump, which he said was affirmed immediately following the U.S. presidential election. In that context, the Minister conveyed Serbia’s wish to host the U.S. President in Belgrade.

“We want to demonstrate our traditional hospitality. There is no doubt that such a welcome would be warmer and more festive than in many other capitals that pride themselves on their longstanding ties with the United States,” said Đurić.

Minister Đurić also addressed the U.S. administration’s decision to delay the imposition of sanctions on the Oil Industry of Serbia (NIS), underlining that this measure is further proof of the quality and continuity of communication between Serbia and the United States. He noted that he took the opportunity to thank the Deputy Secretary of State for the decision, stressing that although a broader resolution of relations between global powers like the United States and the Russian Federation remains necessary, it was of crucial importance that Serbian citizens do not suffer negative consequences.