Djuric, Hanrahan discuss strengthening of Serbia-US ties

VIENNA - Serbian FM Marko Djuric met with US Acting Assistant Secretary of State Brendan Hanrahan in Vienna on Thursday to discuss the priorities of bilateral cooperation, the situation in the region and current international affairs.

They met on the sidelines of the OSCE Ministerial Council.

Commenting on his recent visit to Washington - marked by important discussions with US officials - Djuric noted that it had been extremely significant for deepening of mutual trust, the Serbian MFA said in a statement.

Djuric touched upon the role and the significance of the OSCE amid changes in the structure of the international system.

He highlighted the significance of US-led peace processes and reiterated support for efforts towards achieving peace.

Djuric informed Hanrahan of the situation in Kosovo-Metohija, voicing deep concern over the security of Serbs in the province, as well as over attempts to restrict their fundamental political rights, such as the right to participate in electoral processes.

The parties also discussed the current situation regarding the Serbian oil company NIS - which is under US sanctions due to its Russian-majority ownership - and steps Belgrade was taking to resolve it.