With a traditional reception at the residence of Ambassador H.E. Christopher Hill, the Embassy of the United States marked Independence Day, the national holiday of the USA.
Ambassador Hill and Deputy Ambassador John Ginkel and their wives received guests and the reception was attended by the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, Prime Minister Ana Brnabić, ministers in the Government of Serbia, representatives of religious communities and the diplomatic corps.
At the beginning of the ceremony, US Marines ceremoniously handed over the US flag to Ambassador Hill, followed by the US and Serbian national anthems, which marked 142 years of diplomatic relations at the beginning of February.
Ambassador Hill, welcoming the guests, stated that it is important for the U.S. and Serbia to show mutual understanding and respect, because that is the only way they can move forward together.
“Our two countries are like two friends who at some point parted ways, but who are now together again. One friend talks about the past, and the other about the future, but it is important that they show mutual understanding and respect because that is the only way they can move forward together Hill said.
He said that the strong relations between the U.S. and Serbia are important to everyone and that they should contribute to peace and security in this region, which is important for Europe, as well as overcoming the problems of the past and striving for a better future.
“Our cooperation has deep foundations, it is based on mutual trust and values. In diplomacy, trust is especially important, because you are worth what your word is worth,” Hill pointed out.
He pointed out that there will still be differences, but it is important to overcome such difficulties.
“Those differences can be so small and our common interests will surpass them”, stated the American ambassador, and reminded of important American technology companies operating in Serbia.
Hill added that he is an optimist and that after a year spent here, despite the difficult time for Serbia, he believes that people are resilient and will rise above these tragedies and continue to develop their wonderful country.
“Things can be better, and Serbia and the USA are striving to achieve that goal.” “Time is of the essence and let’s walk that path together,” Hill concluded.
Independence Day, marked on 4th July, is celebrated in honour of the Second Continental Congress, held in Philadelphia on 4th July 1776, where secession from Great Britain and the US Declaration of Independence were adopted.
Photo: Ana Paunkovic