Vucic: Development of good relations with US one of Serbia's foreign policy priorities

BELGRADE - Development of good relations with the US is one of Serbia's foreign policy priorities, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said after a meeting with US Congresswoman Claudia Tenney in Belgrade on Wednesday.

"Today, we can proudly say that a positive dynamic in the relations between the Republic of Serbia and the United States of America is opening up new possibilities, with prospects for development, cooperation and a framework for a mechanism of strategic dialogue," Vucic said at the Presidency of Serbia.

"That especially applies to the period after US President Donald Trump's victory in the US elections," Vucic said.

"We extremely appreciate the US support on our path to full-fledged EU membership, which is one of our country's strategic objectives. Your continued support for preservation of stability, peace and security in the Western Balkans region is equally important, as is your contribution to the process of normalisation of Belgrade-Pristina relations through dialogue, regardless of our differences regarding that issue, which is important for Serbia," Vucic said.

He noted that, for nearly two decades now, Serbia had been fighting by all diplomatic means to preserve its national sovereignty and territorial integrity and that it was fully committed to finding a sustainable solution to the Kosovo-Metohija issue with full respect for the fundamental principles of international law and a legally binding UN Security Council resolution.

"That is why we extend special gratitude to you for understanding the need for respect of the rights of Serbs and other non-Albanians in Kosovo-Metohija, as well as for your courageous criticism of Pristina's unilateral moves, whereby those rights were unlawfully breached," Vucic said.

He especially thanked Tenney for her exceptional contribution to advancement of Serbia-US relations through her advocacy in the US Congress and in her capacity as co-chair of a Serbian caucus.

He recalled that the nearly 150-years-long diplomatic relations between Serbia and the US dated back from 1881.

"In view of their longevity and our historical alliance, we are committed to strengthening those ties in the future as well. Historically, the cooperation between our countries has been marked, above all, by a fight for shared values we aspired to in those challenging times. During global conflicts, we stood together, shoulder to shoulder, on the right side of history. A campaign to rescue US airmen in the Pranjani village during Operation Halyard - one of the most successful rescue missions in WWII, whose 80th anniversary we marked together last year - speaks of this as a bright example of courage and self-sacrifice," Vucic said.

After the meeting, Vucic awarded the Order of the Serbian Flag 1st Class to Tenney for notable merit in development and strengthening of cooperation and international relations between Serbia and the US.

After receiving the state honour, Tenney said that, in a phone call on Tuesday evening, Trump had told her to extend his regards to Serbia and that he hoped he would pay a visit to the country soon.