Washington: Ambassador Đurić at the International Conference "Southeast Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean"

15. Mar 2022.
At the invitation of the "Delphi Economic Forum", the Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to the USA, H.E. Marko Đurić, was one of the speakers at the international conference "Southeast Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean" held in Washington.

Addressing the session entitled "Redefined Western Balkans", Ambassador Đurić spoke about the importance of strong and comprehensive regional cooperation and the strengthening of various types of economic and energy diplomacy as a foundation for preserving peace and stability.

"The Balkanization period of the Balkans is over and a new era of accord among all stakeholders in our region is beginning. We can overcome the current challenges and crises that we are facing only with solidarity, cooperation and association in all areas of common interest," Ambassador Đurić noted.

He also added that the preconditions for stability and neighbourly relations are cooperation based on economy, investments and the opening of new opportunities for associating that will bring benefits to all parties involved.

"That's our heading for a better, more stable and promising future. By pursuing it, we demonstrate that each of us individually is a reliable partner, but also that only by acting together can we ensure progress for all our citizens. It is essential to preserve peace and stability, to be committed to the common goal and to believe that together we can really achieve anything." Ambassador Đurić stressed.

He also underscored the potential of the "Open Balkans" concept, which is increasingly becoming synonymous with economic diplomacy, cooperation, and unanimity - as values whose importance is especially emphasized by the current circumstances at the international level.

"The visionary approach embraced by President Aleksandar Vučić and the highest officials of North Macedonia and Albania shaped the "Open Balkans" as a key initiative that will transform and strengthen our entire region. Our effort is recognized by partners in Europe, as well as in America, that regularly offer top level assurances of support for further development and implementation of specific projects." - Ambassador Đurić said.

Organized for the third time, this two-day conference in Washington brings together senior US administration officials - including State Department officials, congressmen, senators, as well as directors and presidents of major US economic, research, academic and non-governmental institutions.

Hosting the conference is the non-profit organization "Delphi Economic Forum" based in Athens (Greece), which is also the organizer of the DEF Conference in Delphi - one of the most important annual economic events in Europe.