Marinkovic: Trump's return to power to mark start of new era in Serbia-US relations

BELGRADE - President of the Congress of Serbian-US Friendship Vladimir Marinkovic said on Monday Donald Trump's return to power would mark the start of a new era in Serbia-US relations and spark bilateral strategic dialogue in all areas.

"I think the approach of Trump's administration and the entire team around him will be different, especially when it comes to key geopolitical issues, and I am certain the level of investments by US companies will rise," Marinkovic told Tanjug.

He also said the strategic dialogue would focus on the economy, energy, new technologies, education and science.

"We can expect a new era in Serbia-US relations, I am certain that cooperation in the energy sector will be much better and that America will have more understanding for geopolitical issues and when it comes to the Autonomous Province of Kosovo-Metohija and Republika Srpska as well as everything that should represent a policy of ensuring stability in the Western Balkans," Marinkovic said.

He said Trump and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic shared the same agenda when it comes to regional stability, economic progress and cooperation at all levels.

"The key difference compared to the previous administration that should lead to results at foreign policy level and the level of regional policy is Trump's pragmatic, practical and realistic approach to problem-solving," Marinkovic said.

He said the US would try to back all initiatives aimed at economic connectivity in the region, such as Open Balkan and all other initiatives that could lead to strengthening economic cooperation and creating a common market.