Strategic dialogue between Serbia and US: Djuric announces possibility of Donald Trump visiting Belgrade

Photo: MSP

Minister of Foreign Affairs Marko Djuric said today that the strategic dialogue between Serbia and the US, the preparation and opening of which will be intensively worked on, will raise relations between the two countries to a new level, and expressed the hope that there will be an opportunity for Serbia to host US President Donald Trump in Belgrade.

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"It's no secret that Trump, as president, and even before that, is well liked by people in Serbia," Djuric said at the "Days of America" conference held in the Serbian Assembly, which is organized by the Serbian-American Friendship Congress.

Djuric pointed out that a strategic dialogue between Serbia and the US should be viewed in a bilateral, but also in a wider global context, adding that it is comprehensive.

"Strategic dialogue raises our relations to a new level, in order to turn a new leaf, in an essential sense, in relations with a country with which we have a 144-year-long friendship that can contribute a lot to the future," said Djuric.

He pointed out that both in Serbia and in the US, there is universal political support for mutual cooperation and added that he was able to witness this as Serbia's ambassador to the US.

"Cooperation between Serbia and the US enjoys the support of political and social actors who understand that it is a mutual interest. I share the view that the best time is ahead of us," said Djuric.

He stressed that the Serbian economy has more than doubled its GDP in the past 10 years and that, considering that the IT industry has overtaken the most developed areas of our economy such as agriculture, it shows why the US has become one of the most important partners in the services sector.

The chargé d'affaires at the US embassy, Alexander Titolo, said at the same gathering that US President Donald Trump and his administration want to revive relations between Serbia and the US, expand business ties and achieve political dialogue based on common interests and values.

Titolo assessed that this is a new era in relations between the two countries and added that it is only possible if there is commitment to regional stability.

He pointed out that the two countries should not allow their differences to prevent them from building the future and added that they should focus on historical ties that have lasted over 100 years.

"Soon, a strategic dialogue based on sincerity, respect and common interests will be launched. The very fact that we are raising the relationship to a new level shows how much we have achieved and the optimism we have," said Titolo.

He stated that he expects the talks to focus on the most important strategic issues for both countries, from providing Serbia with access to energy and communication technologies, through expansion of defense cooperation.

"We believe that Serbia wants a better future with more prosperity," said Titolo.

Reminding that next year marks 250 years of US independence, Titolo said that it will be a time of reflection and celebration and that Serbian friends will be invited to the celebrations.

"Americans are optimists and we always look forward. We believe that the best is yet to come," he said and pointed out that a strategic dialogue means expanding cooperation in many areas.

Ohio National Guard Commander Brigadier General Matthew Woodruff said that Serbia and Ohio have a deep connection and added that the partnership between the Ohio National Guard and Serbia is one of the most successful.

"We want to deepen that cooperation," he said and reminded of the symbol of cooperation between the National Guard and the Serbian Army, which is the "Platinum Wolf" exercise.

He added that Ohio is looking forward to the start of a strategic dialogue between Serbia and the US and is ready to support that initiative.

He also stated that he recognizes Serbia's efforts to diversify its military portfolio and added that he sees the potential to expand cooperation through trilateral exercises with Hungary and Angola.

Woodruff said that a strong Serbia is good for the stability in the region.

Minister for European Integration Nemanja Starovic said that Serbia remains a reliable partner of the US and that a strategic dialogue would open a new perspective.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)