The Serbian-American Friendship Congress held its first online international conference titled "Serbian-American Relations Facing the Challenges of COVID-19," focusing on the relations between the two countries during the global COVID-19 pandemic. Discussions included the challenges faced by Serbia and the United States, the measures taken to combat the virus, future expectations, and the potential impacts of the pandemic on democracy, economy, security, peace, and stability in both nations. Among the speakers were Vladimir Marinković, Vice President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia and founder of the Serbian-American Friendship Congress (SAFC), Ivica Dačić, First Vice President of the Government of the Republic of Serbia, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Co-Chairman of the SAFC Advisory Board, Steve Stivers, U.S. Congressman and Co-Chairman of the Serbian Caucus, and H.E. Anthony Godfrey, U.S. Ambassador to Serbia.
Opening the conference, Serbian Assembly Vice President Vladimir Marinković emphasized that the cooperation between Serbia and the United States during times of crisis and challenges is of utmost importance for both nations and represents an opportunity to expand cooperation and strengthen friendly ties. Marinković thanked the U.S. for the substantial aid in the form of COVID-19 tests and noted the growing number of friends Serbia has among U.S. officials, evidenced by the excellent relations between Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Vice President Mike Pence, Secretary Mike Pompeo, and others.
The Vice President also mentioned that the business community in Serbia can be satisfied with the economic measures taken by Serbia, citing IMF forecasts that Serbia could experience good growth in 2020/2021. It is crucial to maintain the economic and political environment and attract new foreign investments even after the coronavirus, concluded Marinković.
The global spread of the virus has also provided a fertile ground for the proliferation of disinformation from malign foreign and domestic influences, and the Serbian-American Friendship Congress conference served as a reliable source of information.
First Vice President of the Government of Serbia, Foreign Minister, and Co-Chairman of the SAFC Advisory Board Ivica Dačić stated that Serbia aims to remain a stable partner and pillar of regional stability, and that enhancing Serbian-American cooperation, even after the fight against the coronavirus is over, is one of Serbia's top foreign policy priorities.
"I hope we will also elevate the dynamics of our political dialogue, i.e., high-level visits. The last visit by a U.S. President was in 1980, by Jimmy Carter. We believe it is time for a new visit by a U.S. President," Dačić said.
Conference participants also worked together to find opportunities for mutual assistance during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
U.S. Ambassador to Serbia Anthony Godfrey assessed that Serbian-American cooperation is becoming more important than ever, stating that both countries will overcome the COVID-19 crisis as soon as possible. He added that the U.S. and Serbia were already working together before the crisis to strengthen Serbia's position and assured that this collaboration will continue.
"We share the same goal of emerging from this crisis stronger than ever," said Godfrey, expressing gratitude for the Serbian government's help in repatriating American citizens after international flights were suspended.
He also reminded that Congress had approved $2.7 billion in aid for countries facing the coronavirus, and noted that Serbia would receive a portion of these funds.
U.S. Congressman Steve Stivers, Co-Chairman of the Serbian Caucus, discussed the relations between Belgrade and Pristina, emphasizing the importance of the Kosovar government lifting tariffs to continue negotiations.
"It is a very difficult time worldwide. I appreciate all the efforts the Serbian government has made to safely return Americans who were in Serbia during the COVID-19 crisis. This is additional proof of the exceptional relations between the U.S. and Serbia," Stivers noted.
