Serbia, US reaffirm shared values, future-oriented partnership

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Đurić and the Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of the United States in Belgrade, Aleksandar Titolo, opened the exhibition “From Convention to Partnership,” dedicated to 145 years of diplomatic relations between Serbia and the United States.

They stated that the two countries, relying on a long history of cooperation and shared values, are now building a partnership oriented toward the future and joint prosperity, CE Report informs via the Foreign Ministry of Serbia's official website.

Minister Đurić, addressing those present, emphasized that marking 250 years since the American Revolution represents an opportunity to recall universal values of freedom, the rule of law, strengthening institutions, and government serving its citizens—values that remain relevant far beyond the borders of the United States.

Speaking about the history of bilateral relations, Đurić recalled that diplomatic relations between Serbia and the United States were established following the 1881 trade agreement and the arrival of the first American envoy, Eugene Schuyler, in Belgrade in 1882. He noted that the two countries developed a partnership throughout history, particularly during World War I when they were allies, pointing out that on July 28, 1918, the Serbian flag was displayed on the White House for the first and only time in history, in honor of the Serbian army and its sacrifices for the Allied victory.

Đurić also highlighted the importance of the friendship between Mihajlo Pupin and U.S. President Woodrow Wilson, as well as the alliance between Serbia and the United States during World War II. He especially referred to Operation Halyard, during which the Serbian population saved more than 600 American airmen, describing it as the largest rescue operation of Allied pilots during the entire war. He also noted that the post-World War II period was marked by intensive cooperation, including the development of the Yugoslav armed forces with U.S. support following Yugoslavia’s split with Stalin.

Referring to later decades, Đurić said that relations during the Non-Aligned Movement period were maintained at a high level, while the 1990s brought serious burdens and a negative imprint on bilateral relations. However, thanks to efforts from both sides and a commitment to opening a new chapter of cooperation, Serbia and the United States are today building a partnership focused on the future and shared interests of their peoples.

He expressed optimism about further development of relations with the United States, which he described as an important political, cultural, and economic partner, particularly in the services sector. He also emphasized the importance of the Serbian community in America, which numbers more than one million people of Serbian origin, noting that it represents an important bridge between the two countries.

Expressing confidence that, with the vision and cooperation of the leadership of both countries led by President Aleksandar Vučić and President Donald Trump, relations between Serbia and the United States will in the coming period be elevated to the level of a strategic partnership, Đurić said that the best period in Serbian-American relations is yet to come.

The Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade, Aleksandar Titolo, stressed that Serbia and the United States are connected by shared values and numerous figures who have marked the history and culture of both countries, including Nikola Tesla, Mihajlo Pupin, and Milutin Milanković, as well as generations of Serbian and American athletes.

He assessed that Serbia and the United States are now building a new era of relations based on mutual respect, economic and technological cooperation, and close ties between their peoples.

Also addressing the audience were Acting Director of the National Library of Serbia, Jasmina Ninkov, and exhibition curator Marija Milošević, while the opening was also attended by Minister of Internal and Foreign Trade Jagoda Lazarević.

Photo/Video: Foreign Ministry of Serbia