Prince Alexander: USA will help Serbia to avoid ultimatums

Branko Mikasinovic

Prince Alexander: We should develop our relationships with USA for mutual benefits

Crown Prince Alexander II Karadjordjevic and Princess Katherine were in Washington lately as guests of Ambassador Nancy Brinker, Founder of “Susan G. Komen” Foundation. The Prince and Princess were guests at dinner organized by United States Vice President Joseph Biden. Speaking about his general impressions regarding the new President Barack Obama Administration and American-Serbian relationships, Crown Prince Alexander said:

Prince Alexander: “With the new Administration in office, the United States started a more intense international dialogue, and in that light we can evaluate the visit of Vice President Biden to Serbia as a positive one, as a starting point of new era in United States - Serbian relations. We need each other. There are certain differences between Belgrade and Washington, especially regarding Kosovo, but that is not an obstacle for further development of a friendly relationships. Serbia has always had good relationships with United States, our historic ally, and all we should do now is to further develop these relations for our mutual benefit. The United States is a big investor in Serbia, and we expect more investments despite the difficult economic situation. Serbia shouldn’t be isolated, and the United States will for sure help in disregarding wrong attitudes and ultimatums to Serbia, which should become member of the European Union."

Voice of America: During your visit to Washington, you met American officials. Did you notice any change in attitude towards Serbia, compared to your previous visits before the Presidential elections?

Prince Alexander: “Yes, I do. There has been a big change. A more comprehensive approach towards problems is evident now, and towards Serbia, as well. There is a consensus that the United States should not act unilaterally. There is a big change in the atmosphere now. In my communications with officials, and with Vice President Biden I was sure that their interest was to develop good bi-lateral cooperation and that Serbia has good relations with the European Union. Serbia is working on putting its citizens on the Schengen list, and I think that United States supports that. At the same time, it should be understood that we have a special, historical connections to Russia, and the United States needs good relations with Russia as well. Therefore, one should keep contacts and talk with countries all over the world, which is exactly what Obama’s Administration is doing.”

Voice of America: In your opinion, what should be done to further improve relationships between Serbia and USA?

Prince Alexander: First of all, I would like to see direct flights between Belgrade and Washington. Let JAT operate that route, as well as some of American companies. Also, we should develop educational exchange programs. Our young people could earn their degrees and expertise here in the United States. There are American scholarships for post graduate studies, technological exchange, etc. Above all we need much more investment. When this recession is over, we should be ready to welcome new investors. One of the main investors in our country is US company “US Steel”, who is facing difficult times, but we want them to stay in our country. We have a pro-European and pro-western Government and we want Serbia to be a part of the International Community and to be a United States partner.”

Voice of America: In your opinion is there any role for the Serbian Diaspora in developing United States - Serbian relations?

Prince Alexander: “A well organized Serbian Diaspora is very important and could help a lot. The Serbian Diaspora is located all over the United States, especially in areas like Chicago, Cleveland, Pittsburgh and California. The Serbian Diaspora and its members could be Serbian Ambassadors, in cooperation with our Embassy in Washington, to be more involved and to engage and encourage foreign investors to visit our country and to see the possibilities for investments. Our government is ready to help, we have gathered an impressive group of people to help investors and to explain to them our regulations and economic environment. In other words, the Diaspora can help a lot its “Old Country”.”