The people of Serbia and the USA deserve to have the kind of friendly relations that the two countries have nurtured for over 140 years
At the Day of America conference in Belgrade, which took place on September 7th, 2023, in the old building of the Republic of Serbia National Assembly, we had a unique opportunity to talk with the Serbian Foreign Minister, Ivica Dačić, about Serbia’s relations with the USA and other topics, in the light of Serbia’s efforts to improve and deepen relations with all partners, both western and eastern, through joint activities and projects.
“Of course, to start with, I would like us to remember the victims of the 9/11 attack on the USA, to pay due respect to them and to convey the solidarity of Serbia and our people with the US government and people. I hope that Serbia and the USA are on the right path to improve their relations, the kind that both countries want and deserve to have and the kind they have had during the greater part of our common history which has lasted for over 140 years, partnership and friendship. We have no reason to hide this great tradition. On the contrary, we should be proud of the people who commemorated it,” said Minister Dačić at the beginning of his presentation.
He also touched upon his recent official visit to Indonesia, from which he had just returned, and pointed out that Serbia is building smart and valuable relations with all the countries in the world and that it is very important for us to participate as much as possible in the work of regional organizations, just like other countries do. Serbia is the 52nd country or international organization to accede to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (ASEAN), an organization that was founded over 50 years ago.
“This is important for our country for several reasons. ASEAN countries have a cumulative population of over 600 million and their gross social product stands at several thousand billion dollars. Next, their slogan at this summit was “epicentre of growth”. Also, most of the ASEAN countries did not recognize Kosovo as an independent state. So, for Serbia, this is a market with which we had trade worth over 700 million dollars last year. This year, we expect that amount to exceed 1 billion dollars”, the Minister added.
We have to solve the key issues in the region. And that is the essence
Our relations with a superpower like the US are complicated and take place on many levels in all segments.
“I think we should respect the need to find a common denominator, a common interest, much more. They don’t match with everyone. Even the United States of America and the European Union don’t share the same interests. I can give you a hundred examples where they have opposing views. What does that mean? We should not be hostile toward them. In all of this, we should keep in mind that the USA is a superpower, just like the USA has to take into account the interests of the largest nation and state in the region. In that sense, without going into what was, we should look for the common base, our common denominator. We have to solve the key issues in the region. And that is the essence,” said Minister Dačić.
“We do not have a negative approach in relations with the USA. On the contrary… We would like these relations to be as close as possible and to have constant consultations and agreements. We are ready to make the maximum contribution to it. I think that is also fair on our part. I am sure that in the future there will be an opportunity to further build our relations. Serbia is a reliable and predictable partner and wants political and economic connection, as well a connection in the segments such as security, defence and everything else that is the tendency in the modern world,” underlined Minister Dačić.
In conclusion, he said: “We love our country, as Americans are proud of their country and defend their interests. What was Roosevelt’s winning slogan? America first! I say Serbia first! I think that the USA should also respect that, as we show the same respect to the USA. And that’s what is called a partnership. We have not attacked anyone and we do not touch anyone, but we are ready to participate in everything. This is not about imposing a certain position, but about looking for a sustainable solution that will be as fair as possible. That’s why we have to do everything we can, to be more present, develop friendly and partnership relations around what we agree on and to try to find solutions for certain problematic situations.“