Đurić: Serbia and Ohio National Guard Have Built a Strong Partnership Over Two Decades

17. Sep 2026.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Marko Đurić said today, during a meeting with a delegation of the Ohio National Guard led by Brigadier General Matthew Woodruff, that the two-decade partnership between Serbia and Ohio represents one of the most tangible and successful examples of cooperation between Serbia and the United States.

Minister Đurić noted that this year marks 20 years of successful cooperation between the Serbian and U.S. Armed Forces under the State Partnership Program, established in 2006, adding that this important anniversary provides an opportunity to take stock of the achievements of their cooperation to date.

He emphasised that Serbia and the United States, as well as their peoples, have stood on the same side at numerous pivotal moments in history, recalling one of the most notable examples of Allied courage — Operation Air Bridge, also known as the Halyard Mission — whose 82nd anniversary will be commemorated this Saturday, with a delegation of the Ohio National Guard also in attendance.

Speaking about current relations between the two countries, Minister Đurić particularly highlighted the significance of establishing the Serbia–U.S. Strategic Dialogue, describing it as one of the most important advances in bilateral relations in recent years. According to Đurić, the establishment of the Strategic Dialogue has, for the first time, elevated relations between the two countries to the level of a strategic partnership.

Addressing the security situation in Kosovo and Metohija, Đurić expressed his gratitude to the United States for its longstanding active engagement in KFOR and its contribution to the fulfilment of the mission’s mandate.

Đurić welcomed the participation of the United States in the Specialised Expo 2027 in Belgrade, emphasising that Serbia will be proud to host this important international event.

The Serbian Foreign Minister underscored that Serbia remains firmly committed to further deepening its relations with the United States in the period ahead and to continuing to develop concrete forms of cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Шеф српске дипломатије је истакао да Србија остаје чврсто опредељена да у наредном периоду додатно продубљује односе са Сједињеним Америчким Државама и настави да развија конкретне облике сарадње у областима од обостраног интереса.