The American ambassador to Serbia, Christopher Hill, said that it was up to Serbia and its citizens to determine their own security and safety needs, and that in the event that Serbia wanted to join NATO, it would have to make many difficult choices, but with US support.
He emphasized at the conference “Serbia’s Position in the Euro-Atlantic Community”, which was held online at the Bulgarian Embassy, that joining the EU means many difficult choices, and if Serbia wanted to join NATO, there would also be many difficult choices to be made and many procedures to follow.
“We would help Serbia, but I want to emphasize again, it is up to Serbia and not up to us,” Hill said.
Hill added that he is very aware of the historical relations between the United States and Serbia, which had shiny moments, but also difficult ones, and that the current relation with Serbia is positive.
“We intend to do more together, to build on that relation. Today, two countries are closer than in the past, and it is certain that Serbia’s consistent policy in the UN and the vote that criticizes and sincerely condemns the violation of Ukraine’s independence are the positions we share. We are looking forward to the relationship that will be challenged in these difficult times, but as a result of those challenges we will become closer to Serbia”, Hill said, adding that it is not up to the US to tell Serbia or anyone how to organize their international interests in the future, but it is in the USA interest to work with Serbia.
“We are proud of the relations we have developed with Serbia in previous years as well as the relationship we intend to have. “We are ready to move forward as Serbia is ready to move forward, and to work with you in the spirit of mutual respect,” Hill said.
Photo: Courtesy of University of Denver