Dacic: Serbia has clearly shown it wants to improve relations with the US

Foto: MSP

Serbia has clarify shown that it wants to improve relations with the US based on a rich history but also on joint strategic commitment to establishing a stable and secure region of the Western Balkans, which will be part of a united European continent, says Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic.

In a speech in Belgrade on the occasion of the two-year anniversary of the Serbian-American Friendship Congress, Dacic stressed that further deepening of cooperation with the United States is one of Serbia's most important foreign policy priorities.

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"Our cooperation is also based on the values ​​we share, such as respect for the rule of law, human rights and freedoms, but also a pluralism of opinion," said Dacic.

He said that current relations between Serbia and the US are characterized by a "positive dynamic" and that Serbia expresses its constant interest in continuing regular political dialogue with US officials to maintain the upward trend.

Photo: MFA

Dacic said that Serbia appreciates the US support and is especially grateful for Ambassador Richard Grenell's efforts to relaunch dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina.

"The support and understanding of the US can certainly play a crucial role in trying to overcome problems and open issues with Pristina, which could further lead to building trust between the Serbian and Albanian people as a whole, something that is invaluable for the entire Western Balkans region," said Dacic.

He said that Serbia would strive to clarify its positions and move them closer to those of its US partners and expressed his expectation that the US would respect Serbian interests. Serbia, as he said, with its international activities seeks to establish itself as an active, responsible and reliable partner, especially as a pillar of regional stability.

"Our country is making a significant contribution to further strengthening regional cooperation, maintaining peace and building a prosperous and future-oriented Western Balkans," Dacic said.

He said Serbia is grateful for US support to Serbia's initiatives, such as the "Little Schengen" and to Serbia's full membership in the EU as its strategic goal. Dacic recalled that the US is today one of the most important foreign investors in Serbia's economy, with nearly four billion dollars and more than one billion in donations invested through development assistance programs so far, and said that Serbia is especially grateful for that.

He said that the work and activities of the Serbian-American Friendship Congress confirm that relations between the two countries "can and must be strengthened not only in the political sphere, but also in the fields of economy, and technological, cultural and scientific cooperation."

Dacic said that political dialogue between high-level officials of the two countries has intensified in recent years, contributing to a better understanding of Serbia's views on issues of major national importance. He repeated his invitation to President Donald Trump and other US officials to visit Serbia.

(Telegraf.rs)