[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 179 (Tuesday, November 13, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1515-E1516]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               AMERICA'S ENDURING FRIENDSHIP WITH SERBIA

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 13, 2018

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, for more than 130 years, Americans 
have had a close

[[Page E1516]]

friendship with the Serbian people. Our troops fought side-by-side in 
both World War I and World War II, forging a strong bond between our 
nations. Today, Serbia remains an indispensable ally of the U.S. as we 
confront challenges like ISIS together. This relationship has only 
deepened over the years due to our shared dedication to democracy and 
freedom.
  I recently returned from a trip to Serbia where I met with President 
Vucic and Prime Minister Brnabic. They are great friends to America and 
excellent representatives for Serbia. In our meetings they made clear 
how much the relationship with the United States matters to the 
security and prosperity of their country. Their only ask, was that 
America continues to stand by Serbia as it works to integrate closer 
with the West. While I am retiring from Congress at the end of this 
year, and unfortunately leaving my post as co-chair of the Serbia 
caucus, I assured them that there was no doubt that the U.S. is 
committed to its friendship with Serbia so long as Serbia remains 
committed to peace and democracy.
  Serbia has no stronger partner on than the United States. We have 
shown this in action. For example, about 60 percent of Serbia's 
overseas military training and education takes place within the United 
States. Serbia recognized the value of this relationship and signed an 
agreement to deepen cooperation with the U.S. and our NATO allies two 
years ago. This is a big deal considering just 20 years ago, NATO and 
Serbia were on opposite sides of a war.
  Beyond military cooperation, we are also working to forge closer 
economic ties and strengthen Serbia's democracy. Rule of law and 
transparency are making major gains in Serbia that will allow for 
increased American investment. All of this will bring our countries 
closer together, ensuring bright peaceful futures for the Balkan region 
and ourselves.
  Belgrade and Washington must continue to build our partnership to 
accomplish our shared goals. I am excited to see the ties between our 
countries grow. I am convinced that so long as we remain committed to 
democratic values, America and Serbia will have an enduring friendship 
for generations.
  And that's just the way it is.

                          ____________________