On July 1, Prime Minister Ivica Dačić, Under Secretary of State Patrick Kennedy, and U.S. Ambassador to Serbia Michael Kirby presided over the official dedication of the new U.S. Embassy compound in Belgrade.

With its innovative and environmentally friendly design, the new American embassy, situated on a hilltop in leafy Dedinje, is a tangible testament to the strength of the U.S.-Serbian relationship and our commitment to building on that foundation in the years ahead.

The hundreds of Americans and Serbians who work there every day are committed to broadening and deepening the bonds linking our two countries. We trust that this new embassy will become a lasting symbol of the values that our countries share, the more prosperous future that we seek, and the duty we both have to our children and our grandchildren to leave them a better world than the one we received from our parents and grandparents.

Just one day after the embassy dedication, at an event to celebrate the 237th anniversary of America's independence, the vitality of the U.S.-Serbian friendship was again on display, as distinguished guests from every sphere of Serbian society gathered for a reception at the U.S. Ambassador's residence. Our close relationship, built on shared values and common aspirations, has never been more apparent or more important.

With a history of bilateral relations dating back nearly 132 years, commencing on October 14, 1881, when the United States recognized the Kingdom of Serbia as a sovereign nation, our two countries have built a solid foundation of cooperation. Together, we shouldered the burdens and sacrifices of two world wars; we share national heroes such as Nikola Tesla and Mihajlo Pupin; and we have erected many bridges of personal friendship – including through the Serbian diaspora in the United States, which has contributed so much to our country and the world.

Today, we look to build upon that foundation, forging new areas of cooperation, in order to confront 21st century challenges together. The United States and Serbia cooperate closely on a daily basis on matters of defense, law enforcement, culture, education, economic development, and in countless other fields. We share a common vision of the future of the western Balkans – a future of peace, security, prosperity, and good-neighborly relations both in the region and as part of an integrated Europe. We are united in these aims and are working together to advance these common interests for the benefit of both of our nations.

To this end, the United States of America strongly supports Serbia's EU path and congratulates the Republic of Serbia on the recent decision by the European Council to commence accession negotiations by January 2014. The United States stands with Serbia as we embrace the same broad, hopeful vision for the future. We look forward to the day when Serbia and all the countries of the region will be members of the EU and able to benefit fully from and contribute to its continuing development and prosperity. Serbia's joining the European Union will strengthen both the EU and the U.S.-Serbian relationship. We look forward to the next 132 years of friendship.