On January 28, 2020, the Serbian-American Friendship Congress (SAFC) hosted a formal cocktail reception to mark the two-year anniversary of its establishment. During the event, the Congress introduced the Declaration on Strategic Partnership between the Republic of Serbia and the United States. This Declaration will be submitted to the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia for adoption and outlines the commitment of both countries to continue working on comprehensive cooperation and building ever-stronger relations between the Serbian and American peoples.
The event was attended by various dignitaries, including Branko Ružić, Minister of State Administration and Local Self-Government, U.S. Ambassador to Serbia Anthony Godfrey, Minister Goran Trivan, diplomats, businesspeople, representatives of non-governmental organizations, and media.
Following the presentation of the Declaration, Vladimir Marinković, founder of the SAFC and Vice President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, emphasized that one of the Congress's goals is to share positive experiences about the historical alliance and friendship between Serbia and the U.S., and to further enhance cooperation across all fields, particularly in economics and technology.
"The core objective of our Congress is to achieve the highest possible level of cooperation between the two countries, given our historical alliance and traditional friendship. The Serbian-American Friendship Congress is permanently committed to the global fight against terrorism, anti-Semitism, fascism, and for a world that respects human and minority rights more. Recent years have seen a rise in our bilateral relations, and it is time to work more intensively and robustly toward achieving strategic partnership and friendship. This is reflected in the relationships between our President Aleksandar Vučić and President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, Secretary Mike Pompeo, as well as with both Republicans and Democrats who have a strong desire for stability in the Western Balkans. They have recognized the Republic of Serbia as a key factor in regional stability and strongly support the modernization and European path of our country," Marinković noted.
Foreign Minister Ivica Dačić, who also attended the event, described the Congress as a new and fresh initiative aimed at improving overall relations between the two countries and peoples. According to Dačić, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Serbian Government welcome any contributions to strengthening bilateral relations with the U.S., particularly as deepening cooperation with the U.S. remains one of Serbia's most significant foreign policy priorities.
"The work and activities of the Serbian-American Friendship Congress confirm that our relations can and must be strengthened not only in the political sphere but also in the areas of economics, as well as technological, cultural, and scientific cooperation," Dačić stated.
He reminded attendees that Serbia and the U.S. have a long tradition and rich history of relations characterized by a complex dynamic. Historically, Serbian-American relations have been marked by alliance in both world wars and relatively close cooperation during the Cold War. The past three decades have been full of challenges but also serve as a reminder of the need for ongoing dialogue and cooperation based on defining and finding topics of mutual interest, Dačić emphasized.
He also mentioned that there is an open invitation from the Serbian side for visits by senior U.S. officials, including a visit from President Donald Trump.
Zorana Mihajlović, Vice President of the Government of the Republic of Serbia and Minister of Construction, Transport, and Infrastructure, highlighted the need to restore relations between Serbia and the U.S. to their highest historical level and stressed the importance of mutual respect, understanding, and appreciation between the two peoples.
"Thanks to President Aleksandar Vučić's foreign policy, which is implemented by Foreign Minister Ivica Dačić, we now have a chance for a new beginning. We have been through a lot together, fighting on the same side in both world wars when we proved to be the most reliable partner of the U.S. We do not forget Mihajlo Pupin, who was a friend of President Woodrow Wilson, or Nikola Tesla, who invented world-changing technologies in the U.S. However, this successful shared history was overshadowed by the bloody breakup of Yugoslavia, which ended with NATO operations over Serbia. We cannot forget that, but over 20 years have passed, and we must work together to restore good relations. I am aware that Serbia's heart is in the east, but I also know that Serbia has always thrived when its head was turned towards the west. Serbia's place is in Europe, in the West, in cooperation with the U.S., but that does not mean we should forget all our friends in the East."
The U.S. Embassy in Serbia supported the work of the SAFC, and Ambassador Anthony Godfrey stated that Serbia is a political and economic leader in the Balkans and plays a crucial role in maintaining regional stability and cooperation.
"The U.S. views Serbia's development as a modern, democratic, prosperous European country, at peace with its neighbors, demonstrating full respect for the rule of law, and committed to guaranteeing the rights of all its citizens, as one of its strategic goals," Godfrey said.
He added that the U.S. fully supports Serbia's goals in European integration and EU membership.
"Political leaders in Belgrade must undertake serious reforms for Serbia to advance on its path to the EU. My mission – as well as my country's policy – is to help Serbia achieve these goals," Godfrey highlighted.
He also mentioned that the U.S. is not competing for influence in Serbia for its own selfish goals but is trying to help Serbia continue on its chosen path because, as he stated, the goals of the two countries are identical.
The Serbian-American Friendship Congress was founded on the foundations of historical partnership, alliance, and diplomatic relations that have lasted 138 years between Serbia and the U.S. This organization will work on nurturing the traditional friendship of the two peoples, shared democratic values, and enhancing cooperation in various fields, including economics, technology, education, and culture.
