Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Minister of Foreign Affairs Marko Djuric led the first U.S.-Serbia Strategic Dialogue in Washington, DC, on July 17. The meeting marked a shared goal to strengthen the partnership between the United States and Serbia and increase bilateral cooperation to promote peace, security, and prosperity as both countries celebrate 145 years of diplomatic relations.
During the dialogue, both nations signed a Memorandum of Understanding on energy infrastructure and regional energy security. The United States welcomed Serbia’s preliminary decision to proceed with the Djerdap III (Iron Gate III) hydropower project as part of their Intergovernmental Agreement on Energy. This project is described as a major investment in regional energy infrastructure aimed at enhancing Serbia’s energy independence.
The two countries also highlighted economic cooperation through the announcement of a $50 million loan guarantee from the Export-Import Bank of the United States for Telekom Srbija Group. This initiative will support the rollout of Serbia’s 5G network using trusted suppliers to improve communications system security and reliability.
On security matters, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining regional peace and pledged increased military-to-military engagements. They recognized twenty years of collaboration between the Ohio National Guard and Serbian Armed Forces under the State Partnership Program. Additionally, Serbia has requested to purchase U.S. defense articles intended to enhance interoperability between armed forces. The Department of State announced an obligation of $1.5 million toward ongoing civilian demining efforts in Serbia.
In science and technology cooperation, the United States welcomed Serbia’s decision to sign onto the Artemis Accords for civil space exploration principles that encourage transparent and responsible activities in deep space.
Other initiatives included signing a Memorandum of Understanding on cost sharing for expanding Fulbright program opportunities; reiterating U.S. participation in Belgrade’s Expo 2027; welcoming Serbia’s willingness to consider joining best practices for handling Nazi-confiscated art; and announcing plans by Serbia to open new consulates in Miami and San Francisco.