The United States and Serbia signed a memorandum of understanding on energy infrastructure and regional energy security in Washington DC, kicking off their bilateral strategic dialogue. The White House welcomed Serbia’s preliminary decision to move forward with its Đerdap 3 – Iron Gate 3 pumped storage hydropower project.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia Marko Đurić led the first bilateral strategic dialogue today in Washington DC. They signaled a shared goal of strengthening the bilateral partnership and increasing cooperation to promote peace, security and prosperity as the two countries celebrate 145 years of diplomatic relations, the announcement reads.
Most importantly, the US and Serbia signed a memorandum of understanding on energy infrastructure and regional energy security. The United States welcomed Serbia’s preliminary decision to proceed with the Đerdap 3 (Iron Gate 3) pumped storage hydropower project as the first project identified under the intergovernmental agreement on energy from 2024, the Department of State added. It is a major investment in regional energy infrastructure and a step toward a more energy independent Serbia, according to the update.
Đurić: MoU on energy involves construction of gas interconnectors
Đurić earlier said that the strategic dialogue would facilitate regular, continuous and structured communication at the highest level, as well as a platform for deepening cooperation in the areas of foreign policy, security, energy, trade, investment, science, education, innovation and advanced technologies.
The MoU on energy will open important perspectives for Serbia’s energy security as it involves the construction of gas interconnectors, the Balkan country’s top diplomat added.
Multiple bilateral initiatives
Among other bilateral initiatives, the two governments welcomed the announcement of a USD 50 million loan guarantee from the Export-Import Bank of the United States for Telekom Srbija Group to roll out Serbia’s 5G network using trusted suppliers, enhancing the security and reliability of Serbia’s communications systems, the State Department stressed.
The US welcomed Serbia’s decision to sign on to the Artemis Accords. They are a set of principles for transparent, safe and responsible civil space exploration and use enabling to expand peaceful cooperation in deep space through the sharing of knowledge and scientific data.
The United States and Serbia signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cost sharing for the Fulbright program. Serbia has pledged USD 300,000 annually to support the expansion of the exchange program for American and Serbian scholars and students.
