Thursday, 08 February 2018. | |
Minister Dacic: “Relations with the United States are very important to us” |
+ larger fontnormal font- Smaller font |
"Within the preparations for the meeting with the United States Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, I had talks with the US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Wess Mitchell. We had a thorough conversation with the aim of finding common interests shared by the United States and Serbia, to the benefit of stability, peace and future of the entire region and resolution of open issues.
What is particularly important is that there is good will to reach a lasting solution to the problems in Kosovo and Metohija. In this context, it is very important that yesterday's UN Security Council meeting evolved in an atmosphere somewhat different in comparison to the previous ones. The presence of twelve Ambassadors who are Heads of Mission indicates the amount of importance that states continue to attach to this subject. The tone was more constructive compared to the past period. I believe that the current administration shows more understanding for Serbian positions when it comes to regional problems. We have not asked anyone to be partial to us, but to listen to our arguments and suggestions for reaching the best solutions in the interest of everyone in the region. Relations with the United States are very important to us, as they are to any other country in the world. Regardless of the various past differences, I think we should invest maximum efforts, as President Vucic has also explained, to arrive at an agreement and seek common denominators with the United States, undoubtedly one of the countries with the greatest influence in the region. This morning I attended the National Prayer Breakfast, a traditional event that I have been participating in for a number of years now. The breakfast evolved in the usual atmosphere, and we were addressed by President of the United States Donald Trump. The Prayer Breakfast was an opportunity to meet many politicians and officials, both from the United States and other countries from across the globe, and our hosts in particular, including Congressman Aderholt, one of the co-chairs of the Prayer Breakfast, among others. The National Prayer Breakfast was an opportunity for a number of bilateral meetings. In the context of what Secretary Tillerson and I agreed on in Vienna, and of the promise which he has kept, I am meeting him tomorrow, hoping that the meeting will be a successful one, and certainly very important for our relations", First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivica Dacic stated in Washington. |