Secretary Blinken congratulated the Serbian people the Serbia National Day. In a warm, congratulatory message, Blinken said that the US “values the strategic partnership” with Serbia. Speaking of the US role in the Western Balkans, Blinken conveyed that the Biden administration is a “strong supporter” of Serbia’s ambitions to join the EU.

“We are committed to working with you and our EU partners toward this important goal. I welcomed Serbia’s constructive engagement with US, EU, French, German, and Italian officials during a recent visit to Belgrade,” said Blinken.

Top US diplomat expressed confidence in the positive outcomes of the French-German Agreement between Belgrade and Pristina. “I am confident that normalization of relations between Serbia and Kosovo will bring security and prosperity for Serbia and all citizens of the Western Balkans,” said Blinken. While he acknowledged “difficult compromises” Serbian President Vucic and Kosovo’s PM Kurti will have to make, Blinken said the “rewards for the Serbian people – and the entire region – will be vast.”

Blinken called on Serbia to support Ukraine, and he welcomed the Serbian messages of support for the war-torn country expressed at the United Nations.

Secretary of State revealed that the US and Serbia recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding to create “liaison positions for Serbian diplomats” at the Department of State. “This unique program will not only foster a better understanding of our respective foreign policy goals and objectives but will forge new channels of communication and build lasting partnerships,” said Blinken.

Recently, The Pavlovic Today sat down for an exclusive interview with Deputy Assistant Secretary Gabriel Escobar in which he shared the view of the Western Balkans from inside the State Department.

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