Djuric: Serbia strongly believes in the power of dialogue

"We are not a member of NATO. We are a neutral country. But we want to, using and relying on the power of dialogue, expand the understanding of the Serbian position regarding our strategic national issues - from Kosovo and Metohija to the regional situation", the head of Serbian diplomacy emphasized.

Djuric added that Serbia aimed to present itself as a constructive actor, which contributes to both regional and global security.

"Serbia is third in terms of contributing to UN peacekeeping missions around the world", the Minister said, adding that Serbia is committed to strengthening the understanding between partners, who are currently in conflict.

"It is very important for Serbia's reputation that we also had talks with Mr. Blinken, on the fringes of the summit, and with a number of foreign ministers of NATO countries - both those who did not recognize the independence of Kosovo and Metohija, and those who did", Djuric said and noted that Serbia, as a member country of "Partnership for Peace", had an active role in that organization.

Commenting on the first days of his visit to Washington, Djuric said that he had meetings with Democrat Congressman from California Eric Swalwell, who is very influential in his party, as well as with co-chair of the Serbia Caucus Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, a Republican from the state of New York.

Djuric added that he also discussed the strengthening of cooperation between the two countries with the head of Hungarian diplomacy, Péter Szijjártó, adding that Hungary's Presidency of the Council of the European Union was a chance for Serbia, but also for the EU itself.

"We are grateful to our Hungarian friends. We are working together to open new accession clusters, when it comes to Serbia's negotiations with the European Union", Djuric noted recalling that the American-Serbian Business Council also held a meeting in Washington today.

"This is the sixth international summit in which Serbia is participating this month. We continue with enormous energy and enthusiasm to fight for the status and position of Serbia as an independent and free country in the international community”, the Serbian Foreign Minister concluded.