Djuric: US to be strong partner to Serbia in preservation of regional stability

WASHINGTON - Serbian FM Marko Djuric said on Thursday in Washington Serbia-US relations would be firm in the coming period and that the US would be a strong partner to Serbia in preservation of regional stability, in further economic development of Serbia and in safeguarding the position of Serbs living in the region in areas where they were jeopardised.

Speaking to reporters at the end of a trip to the US, Djuric said the excellent visit had been wrapped up by a meeting at the US Department of State.

He said he had also had a meeting with US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Brendan Hanrahan.

"After the discussion with Hanrahan, I can say that we can really count on Serbia and the US being firm, strong partners in the coming period in preservation of stability in our region, in further economic development of our country and our region, and in safeguarding the position of our people in the region in areas where they are jeopardised," Djuric said.

He added that the discussion with Hanrahan had also addressed the position of Kosovo-Metohija Serbs and the need to protect their rights.

Djuric said they had also discussed stability in the Western Balkan region, from Bosnia and Herzegovina to various other topics related to influence by other regional actors.

"A high degree of convergence in our positions, a high degree of understanding for Serbia. I can say that President Aleksandar Vucic is also recognised as someone whose work is leaving a positive mark and a contribution to stability in our region, as well as to progress in Serbia-US relations," Djuric said.