Đurić: We Are Building Our Network in the United States

Summarizing what he described as a successful and substantive week in Washington, Đurić noted that the Serbian delegation held highly significant meetings at the White House, the National Security Council, the U.S. Congress, and the State Department. He emphasized that the objective of the visit was to consolidate the positive momentum in Serbian–American relations and further strengthen Serbia’s position.

He particularly highlighted his meeting with the U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor, during which the regional situation was discussed in detail, including the position of the Serbian people in Kosovo and Metohija. According to Đurić, virtually no major regional or European issue was left unaddressed, and the discussions were marked by a high degree of understanding and convergence on numerous matters.

Đurić also conveyed that he met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, whom he thanked for his constructive approach toward Serbia and the region. He referred to Serbia’s membership in the Peace Committee and underscored the importance of forthcoming visits by senior U.S. officials to Belgrade.

“We can truly be satisfied with how these discussions proceeded. This represents a step forward not only in our bilateral relations, but also in understanding our national priorities,” Đurić stated.

He assessed that President Trump’s messages, including his address to Congress, signal a shift in approach to a number of global issues and open space for new partnerships, which provides Serbia with additional opportunities to strengthen its engagement in Washington.

Addressing regional matters, Đurić noted that the Serbian side emphasized the need to preserve stability, assessing that such stability cannot be built through unilateral rearmament or policies of confrontation. As he stated, Serbia proposed strengthening economic cooperation as a means of building bridges, instead of measures emanating from Priština that are reflected in pressure on Serbian educational and healthcare institutions and further rearmament.

“The United States is part of the solution when it comes to challenges in the Balkans. We spoke concretely, with facts, and with the intention of protecting our people and our national interests,” Minister Đurić emphasized.

Referring to his participation at the AIPAC conference, Đurić conveyed that the respect Serbia enjoys, as well as the policy of President Aleksandar Vučić toward the Jewish people, represents important capital in the United States, particularly in the context of support following the attacks of 7 October and assistance provided to Serbian national Alon Ohel. He stressed that such a position enables Serbia to make its voice heard more clearly regarding the situation of the Serbian people in the region.

He also expressed particular appreciation to Congresswoman and Co-Chair of the Serbian Caucus in Congress, Claudia Tenney, recalling her initiative to insist on the establishment of the Community of Serb-Majority Municipalities.

In conclusion, Đurić affirmed that Serbia remains committed to cooperation in the region, rather than mutual lobbying and confrontation. He emphasized that Albania will always find Serbia’s doors open for partnership and friendship, provided there is mutual respect for national interests and sensitivities, particularly with regard to Kosovo and Metohija as a fundamental issue of Serbian identity.