The following is the text of a joint statement by the United States of America and the Republic of Serbia on the occasion of the inaugural U.S.-Serbia Strategic Dialogue.
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Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Minister of Foreign Affairs Marko Djuric led the first U.S.-Serbia Strategic Dialogue in Washington, DC, on July 17. The Strategic Dialogue signaled a shared goal of strengthening the partnership between the United States and Serbia and increasing bilateral cooperation to promote peace, security, and prosperity as we celebrate 145 years of diplomatic relations.
Energy and Economic Cooperation
The United States and Serbia signed a Memorandum of Understanding on energy infrastructure and regional energy security. The United States also welcomed Serbia's preliminary decision to proceed with the Djerdap III (Iron Gate III) hydropower project as the first project identified under our Intergovernmental Agreement on Energy. This project is a major investment in regional energy infrastructure and a step toward a more energy independent Serbia.
The two countries welcomed the announcement of a $50 million loan guarantee from the Export-Import Bank of the United States for Telekom Srbija Group to roll out Serbia's 5G network using trusted suppliers, enhancing the security and reliability of Serbia's communications systems.
Security and Defense Cooperation
The United States and Serbia reaffirmed their joint commitment to maintaining regional peace and security and pledged to increase the tempo of military-to-military engagements. The two countries lauded twenty years of close cooperation between the Ohio National Guard and the Serbian Armed Forces under the State Partnership Program. Serbia has requested to purchase U.S. defense articles, which will serve to increase the interoperability of our armed forces and build on the strong relationships developed during bilateral and multilateral exercises and joint peacekeeping missions. In addition, the Department of State announced that it has obligated $1.5 million toward continued cooperation on civilian demining to clear landmines and unexploded ordnance. The United States expressed its deep condolences over the loss in June of a Serbian peacekeeper serving in the UN Interim Force in Lebanon.
Science and Technology
The United States welcomed Serbia's decision to sign on to the Artemis Accords. These are a set of principles for transparent, safe, and responsible civil space exploration and use which will enable us to expand peaceful cooperation in deep space through the sharing of knowledge and scientific data.
Other Bilateral Initiatives
The United States and Serbia signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cost sharing for the Fulbright program. Serbia's commitment to contribute $300,000 annually to support the expansion of this historic exchange program will provide additional opportunities for top American and Serbian scholars and students to teach and conduct research to the benefit of both of our countries. The United States reiterated its commitment, as formalized during the May 2026 visit of Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy Sarah Rogers, to participate in Belgrade's Expo 2027, an historic event and the first Specialized Exposition to be held in the Western Balkans. The United States further welcomed Serbia's willingness to consider joining the Best Practices for the Washington Principles on Nazi-Confiscated Art. Serbia announced its intent to deepen its relationship and engagement with the United States by opening new consulates in Miami and San Francisco.
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