Vucic, Burns discuss Serbia-US relations, situation in Kosovo-Metohija

BELGRADE - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic met on Tuesday in Belgrade with Pastor Mark Burns, spiritual adviser to US President Donald Trump, to discuss strengthening of Serbia-US relations, preservation of peace and security in the region, as well as the position of Serbs and protection for Serbian holy sites in Kosovo-Metohija.

"With Pastor Burns, spiritual adviser to President Trump, I discussed further strengthening of Serbia-US relations, preservation of peace and stability in the region, as well as the significance of understanding and dialogue," Vucic posted on Instagram.

He added that he had thanked Burns for paying a tribute to innocent Serb victims during a visit to Bratunac, Republika Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and for sending a message of peace, respect for all victims and a need to preserve the truth and remembrance for the sake of generations to come.

"We exchanged views on the situation in Kosovo-Metohija, especially touching upon the position of Serbs, protection for our holy sites and preservation of the rich spiritual and cultural heritage. I noted that it is crucial to respect the religious freedoms and rights of all people, as well as to ensure peace and security to our people," Vucic wrote in the post.

He added that they had also discussed values connecting the two nations, as well as faith, family, freedom and mutual respect.

"I am convinced that it is upon those foundations that we can further develop cooperation and build stronger ties between Serbia and the US," Vucic noted.

On Sunday and Monday, Burns visited the Serbian Orthodox Patriarchate of Pec in Kosovo-Metohija and the Visoki Decani and Gracanica monasteries with Serbian Patriarch Porfirije.

On Saturday, he visited Bratunac to attend a memorial service for 3,267 Serbs from the central Podrinje and Birca regions who were killed by Muslim forces between 1992 and 1995.