American Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of State Of Serbia Marko Đurić agreed, as part of a strategic dialogue, to strengthen partnership and cooperation in order to promote peace, security and prosperity, according to a joint statement published on Saturday, which mentions Đerdap 3, Telekom Srbija, the purchase of weapons and Fulbright scholarships.
"When it comes to energy and economic cooperation, the US and Serbia signed a Memorandum of Understanding and regional energy security. The United States welcomes Serbia's preliminary decision to continue the Djerdap 3 project, which represents a significant investment in energy infrastructure and a step forward towards the country's energy independence," the joint statement said.
Serbia and the USA welcomed credit guarantees in the amount of 50 million dollars from the American Export-Import Bank for Telekom Serbia so that the company would develop a 5G network using reliable suppliers, thus strengthening the security and reliability of Serbia's communication system.
"When it comes to security and defense cooperation, Serbia and the USA reiterate their mutual commitment to maintaining regional peace and speeding up military engagement. 20 years of cooperation between the Ohio National Guard and the Serbian Army through the partnership program was welcomed. Serbia asked to buy American defense equipment, which will serve to increase the interoperability of the armed forces and build a strong partnership during bilateral and multilateral exercises and joint peacekeeping missions," reads a joint statement on the State Department's website.
Joining the Artemis Treaty
Additionally, the Department of State has committed $1,5 million to continue cooperation in civilian area demining and the removal of unexploded mines.
The United States, as stated, expressed its condolences for the death of a soldier from Serbia who was on duty in the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Lebanon.
The United States, in the science and research sector, welcomed Serbia's accession to the Artemis agreement, that is, the acceptance of the principles of transparent, safe and responsible civilian space exploration through peaceful cooperation and the sharing of knowledge and scientific data.
The Statement states that the two countries have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the sharing of costs for the Fulbright program, according to which Serbia has committed to annually contribute $300.000 to the exchange program for students and scientists.
The United States reiterated, as was formalized in May of this year during the visit of Undersecretary for Public Diplomacy Sarah Rogers, that it will participate in the specialized exhibition Expo 2027 in Belgrade.
The statement supports Serbia's readiness to consider joining the "Washington Principles" in handling cases of works of art that were once confiscated by the Nazis.
"Serbia also announced its intention to deepen relations and engagement with the USA by opening new consulates in Miami and San Francisco," the joint statement concluded.
Source: FoNet
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