Dačić and Hill sign the Memorandum of Understanding between the State Department and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia

At a joint press conference, Minister Dačić said that Serbia believed it should intensify contacts with the United States, including mutual visits to both Washington and Belgrade.

“We welcome the fact that Counsellor of the United States Department of State Derek Chollet is coming to Serbia, on 12 January, I believe. Of course, we would also be happy if State Secretary Antony Blinken were to visit. This would confirm the current US administration’s commitment to the development of partner relations”, stated Minister Dačić.

He said that he was also pleased with the level of the economic cooperation with the USA which, in his words, had exceeded one billion dollars, and thanked Ambassador Hill for having given estimates which may encourage investors to come to Serbia.

“It is of great importance that over 30,000 workers are employed in US companies in Serbia”, said Minister Dačić.

With respect to the Memorandum of Understanding, he explained that it would be a way to establish cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the State Department in terms of the exchange of employees.

“We see this arrangement as another opportunity to improve bilateral relations and achieve better understanding departments of foreign affairs . Our ministry's liaison officers will be temporarily assigned to the respective directorate of the State Department”, explained Minister Dačić.

Ambassador Hill expressed his pleasure with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on the establishment of a liaison officer, a position which is to be filled by a diplomat who would work in the State Department.

“We think that this is the right opportunity for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the State Department to grow closer and for our diplomats to get to know each other better. I believe that Serbia traditionally has good diplomats”, stated Ambassador Hill.

He said that he had talked to Minister Dačić about various matters they were both facing, and that he was pleased that they saw the problem the same way.

“Obviously, there are many things that need to be done in the world to address matters which are very important for both Serbia and the USA”, said Ambassador Hill, mentioning the Russian aggression and return of peace to Ukraine.

Source/Photo: Tanjug/MoFA