Đurić: Strategic Dialogue between Serbia and the United States to begin soon

"The meeting took place in an exceptionally positive atmosphere. We even joked that it was a summit of the two Marks. This is the first time in many years that Serbia is being given such open space here. We discussed launching the U.S.-Serbia Strategic Dialogue very soon—elevating our bilateral relations to a level not seen in generations," Minister Đurić stated following the meeting.

He noted that both sides recognized a historic opportunity to build a new foundation for relations that have undergone various phases and fluctuations in the past.

“Serbia, as an independent country that conducts its foreign policy autonomously and takes orders from no one—a fact well understood in the international community—emerges as a natural partner to an administration such as that of President Trump, which seeks to engage with countries in our region on a fair and renewed basis,” the Minister observed.

In addition to political alignment, Minister Đurić highlighted strong mutual interest in deepening economic cooperation through concrete projects in the fields of energy, infrastructure, modern technologies, science, as well as education and culture.

“This is an opportunity we must seize. Just as the Trump administration is seeking reliable partners and allies, Serbia has historically, at times, played exactly that role—and I believe it can do so again,” Đurić stated.

He added that the Serbian side also requested the support of the U.S. Government on several matters of importance to Serbia.

“We sought understanding for the difficulties surrounding the verdicts against Mr. Dodik and the growing pressures on the the Republic of Srpska. The imposition of decisions by unelected officials only adds fuel to the fire, as we have witnessed in recent days. Political pressure from those aiming to remove elected representatives in the Republic of Srpska cannot contribute to resolving these challenges,” Đurić emphasized.

He stressed that dialogue remains the only viable path to resolving such issues.

“We had the opportunity to present our views directly to the highest leadership of this country. Secretary Rubio went straight from our meeting to the White House. I believe we also conveyed at least part of the reality faced by our people in Kosovo and Metohija—daily pressures, persecution, institutional takeovers, and even pressure on the Serbian Patriarch and the Serbian Orthodox Church. The situation on the ground calls for a serious engagement by the international community to preserve stability,” the Minister warned.

He underscored that Serbia was portrayed in the discussions as a country firmly committed to progress and regional stability—a true anchor in turbulent times—and one that deserves to be supported in its efforts, in contrast to those who would draw the region back into division.

“I believe the treatment of our delegation during this visit clearly reflected a high degree of respect and a strong interest by the U.S. Government in enhancing relations with Serbia. I am proud of that. This has been one of the greatest honors of my career—especially as someone who recently served as Ambassador here and had the opportunity, together with Ambassador Šutanovac and our team, to lay the groundwork for this Strategic Dialogue,” Đurić noted.

He assessed that this development will position Serbia within a fundamentally different group of countries in terms of how it is approached in matters of economy, security, and policy.

“This is a serious step forward,” he added, noting the importance of such progress amidst the current challenges in the Republic of Srpska and Kosovo and Metohija.

“We need partners who are willing to listen and understand our position. That is why this mission was of immense importance to me personally—and I would say, to Serbia’s position as well,” Đurić said.

The Minister confirmed that the issue of tariffs was also discussed, expressing hope that strengthened political ties between Serbia and the United States would help advance negotiations on this matter.

He pointed out that tariffs are a challenge affecting all countries, and that Serbia remains committed to working toward a solution. He cited Switzerland’s experience—despite offering zero tariffs and investing hundreds of billions in the U.S., it still faces a 39% customs duty—as an example of the complexity of the issue.

Minister Đurić also emphasized the importance of continued U.S. investment in Serbia, and the resolution of practical issues such as double taxation, within the framework of the Strategic Dialogue. These steps, he said, are essential to ensuring that U.S.-Serbian economic cooperation continues to thrive, as it has in recent years. He reminded that annual bilateral trade in IT and software alone already exceeds one billion dollars—a fact perhaps not widely known to the public.

Ahead of his meeting with the U.S. Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs, Minister Đurić announced that he would request assistance in securing the release of a Serbian citizen currently being held in the Gaza Strip. He also noted that, with Serbia’s help, nine journalists from the U.S. NBC network are in the process of leaving Gaza.

During his visit, Đurić also met with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and Senior State Department Official for European Affairs Brendan Hanrahan, discussing a wide range of issues.

He particularly emphasized that Secretary Rubio conveyed a clear message that both President Trump and the U.S. administration as a whole are committed to strengthening relations with Serbia. This attitude and the positive tone, Đurić concluded, resonated throughout all meetings in Washington.

The Serbian Foreign Minister underlined that the visit was highly significant—not only for Serbia’s delegation and all those who have worked for years on improving relations with the United States—but also for Serbia’s redefined position in Washington vis-à-vis the new administration. He described it as a continuation of what President Aleksandar Vučić had initiated in his early talks with President Trump at the beginning of his term.

Finally, Minister Đurić emphasized that this visit marks a valuable opportunity for Serbia to become the first country from the region to launch a strategic partnership with the United States under the new administration—an initiative that he believes will yield tangible results in the near future.

He concluded by noting that the fact that he was among the first ministers from the region to visit Washington was a sign of respect and a clear indication of Serbia’s sincere desire to turn a new page in U.S.-Serbia relations.

“It is now Serbia’s responsibility to ensure this opportunity is not missed—and to work together with President Trump to open a new chapter in our bilateral relations,” Minister Đurić concluded.