US and Serbia Launch Strategic Dialogue, Belgrade Calls Relations with Washington a New Chapter

The US State Department believes that the Strategic Dialogue between Washington and Belgrade opens a new period in bilateral relations, reflecting the willingness to expand the partnership between the two countries.

In a statement to Radio Free Europe, the State Department said the process would focus on preserving peace and stability in the region, as well as advancing economic and educational cooperation, with the aim of creating a broader partnership. The department recalled that Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on August 6 last year that the United States would hold this dialogue with Serbia. The first round is scheduled to take place on July 17.

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Gjuric described the development as a historic diplomatic moment. According to him, the dialogue will help strengthen Serbia’s position on the international stage and give Belgrade space to discuss issues it considers to be of interest, including Kosovo.

“It is important for us, including for Kosovo, where we rely on the protection of our people, as well as for Republika Srpska, where last year we had considerable understanding from the administration of US President Donald Trump in resolving problems in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” he said.

The Strategic Dialogue is a format used by the United States with various partners to deepen cooperation in the economy, security, energy and foreign policy.

The initiative comes as Washington seeks to increase its engagement in the Western Balkans, limit Russian and Chinese influence in the region, and support progress in the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue toward reaching a final agreement.