Đurić on the Key Topics of Discussions with U.S. Officials

23. Feb 2026.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, Marko Đurić, stated today at the outset of his visit to Washington that the primary objective of his meetings with U.S. officials is to secure the understanding and support of the United States for Serbia’s key state and national priorities, particularly with regard to Kosovo and Metohija and the strategic partnership between
the two countries.

Minister Đurić emphasized that during his visit he will hold talks with representatives of the White House, the United States Congress, the Department of State, as well as members of civil society, on issues of paramount importance to Serbia — ranging from regional security and the position of the Serbian people, including in Kosovo and Metohija, to economic cooperation, energy policy, and broader strategic matters.

He underscored that Serbia seeks, through intensified political dialogue, to provide additional momentum to relations with the United States, with a view to realizing the full potential of bilateral relations in 2026. According to him, the current political framework, particularly during the administration of President Donald Trump, represents a significant opportunity for advancing cooperation.

“There is no state or national issue of importance to the Serbian people and to Serbia for which it is not essential to secure understanding and support here. That is our principal objective,” Đurić stated.

Đurić announced a meeting with the Director of the U.S. Agency for Global Energy Dominance, noting that Serbia’s objective is to diversify its energy sources and deepen cooperation in this field. He added that Minister of Energy Dubravka Đedović Handanović is also expected to visit Washington to participate in a major energy conference organized by the U.S. administration.

Addressing energy-related matters and the issue concerning the Serbian oil company NIS, Đurić assessed that this should not be the sole topic in the Serbian-American dialogue but stressed the importance of having secured understanding that the Serbian refinery should not become collateral damage in the complex relations among major powers. He expressed the expectation
that this matter would be resolved positively in the coming months.

Minister Đurić also highlighted the importance of participation in the AIPAC conference, stating that Serbia aims, within the framework of cooperation with the United States and Israel, to fully leverage the advantages of its historic friendship with the State of Israel and the Jewish people — something that, as he noted, is not always sufficiently recognized in Washington.

Reflecting on the broader political context, Đurić stressed that Serbia seeks to be recognized as a factor of stability in Europe.

“Serbia is a valuable part of the mosaic of stability and security in Europe —part of the solution, not part of the problem,” Đurić emphasized.

He added that in discussions with U.S. officials he would present Belgrade’s arguments regarding the situation in Kosovo and Metohija and the wider region, with the aim of securing even stronger support for Serbia and the Serbian people.

The head of Serbian diplomacy further stressed the exceptional importance of intensifying dialogue at the beginning of the year, with the goal of advancing the implementation of agreements on a strategic partnership and a strategic dialogue with the United States. As he concluded, without high-quality relations with Washington, it is not possible to fully realize Serbia’s key national priorities.