22.08.2023.
State Secretary Starović meets with representatives of U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs
State Secretary at the Ministry of Defence Nemanja Starović met today with representatives of the United States House Committee on Foreign Affairs, led by Head of Delegation, Katherine Earle.
At the beginning of the meeting, State Secretary Starović said that the Republic of Serbia continues to pursue a balanced defence policy, constantly working to improve and develop defence relations with all countries and international organizations, in accordance with Serbia's long-term strategic commitment to remaining a neutral state.He emphasized that there has been an upward trend in bilateral relations between Serbia and the United States, with defence cooperation traditionally being the most promising segment. State Secretary Starović expressed our appreciation of the United States’ support in the Belgrade-Priština dialogue, adding that our side is willing to continue the dialogue, because we are striving to ensure a normal life for the Serbian community and all other residents of Kosovo and Metohija by peaceful means.
State Secretary Starović also asked the United States to use its influence with the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government in Priština, whose dangerous policy of violence is undoing everything the dialogue has achieved so far, in order to prevent further escalation of the conflict.As regards the security of Serbian nationals living in Kosovo and Metohija, State Secretary Starović emphasized that Serbia views KFOR as the sole legitimate armed formation in Kosovo and Metohija in accordance with UN Resolution 1244. He also indicated that Serbia is very determined to remain a promoter of dialogue and an important factor in ensuring regional stability.
The representatives of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs thanked their hosts for the warm welcome at the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Serbia, expressing their expectation that Serbia and the United States will reach a higher level of cooperation in all areas of mutual interest in the coming period.