In his address, Dr Orlic reminded the attending that the Republic of Serbia and the United States of America have had bilateral relations for more than 140 years. "During the First and Second World Wars, when the whole world was facing the most difficult challenges, the Serbian people, small in number but big in heart and love for freedom, were recognised by the great and powerful United States as an ally. Today we are proud of our freedom-loving tradition, as well as the fact that today we are pursuing a free, sovereign and independent policy, we make our own decisions and always listen to the voice of our people, defending the interests of our country, preserving and strengthening relations with our friends and partners. The President of the Republic Aleksandar Vucic is leading this kind of state policy in Serbia, for which he has conclusive popular support, and this policy is followed by the National Assembly and the Government of Serbia. We want to raise relations with the USA to an even higher level by establishing a Strategic Dialogue. That is our sincere wish," said Dr Orlic.

The Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia emphasised the importance of strengthening all-round cooperation with the US, pointing out that, today, we are developing political relations more successfully than decades ago. The same applies, he emphasised, to cooperation in terms of economy, investments, and infrastructure. "For its part, our National Assembly, as well as its Parliamentary Friendship Group with the US, one the largest in the current legislature, will always contribute to the joint work and strengthening of friendship between the two countries and two peoples," said Speaker Orlic, expressing satisfaction with the activities of the Serbian caucus in the US, where he especially acknowledged the Ambassador the Republic of Serbia in the USA Marko Djuric.

He used the opportunity to thank the USA for supporting the "Open Balkans" initiative, a project that originated in our country, with the aim of strengthening cooperation and political trust in the region, as well as strengthening ties between people. He thanked the US for the support it provides to Serbia on its European path and the fact that Serbia is recognised by the USA as a key partner and factor of stability and development in this part of Europe. "It is important for us to hear open acknowledgments for the state policy we pursue, that thanks to the efforts, responsibility and leadership of the President of Serbia, today we are preserving peace and stability for everyone and ensuring that our Serbia remains the engine of development of the entire region," concluded the Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia.