The President of the United States, Joe Biden, said that he encourages Serbia to move forward, “including compromises when necessary”, aiming to normalize relations with Kosovo, within the framework of the dialogue mediated by the European Union.

“The United States will continue to work closely with you, with Pristina, and with our partners from the EU, to achieve this important goal,” Biden said.

He made the comments in a congratulatory message sent to the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, on the occasion of Serbia’s Statehood Day.

Biden also encouraged Serbia to continue advancing the promotion of peace and stability in the region.

Kosovo and Serbia have been in negotiations to normalize relations since 2011.

Most recently, the Government of Kosovo prompted a sharp reaction from the United States with a decision that prohibits the use of the Serbian dinar in Kosovo.

Officials from the American administration called for its withdrawal, warning that the issue could jeopardize partnership with the United States, and encouraged Kosovo to engage in dialogue with Serbia.

In the telegram sent to Vučić, transmitted by the Serbian Presidency’s website, Biden also said that Serbia, under his leadership, has joined the group of democratic countries in the United Nations that condemn Russia’s war in Ukraine.

“It is important that we remain united in sending strong messages of support for Ukraine and in condemning the brutal war that Russia has chosen for itself,” Biden said.

Serbia has voted for several resolutions in the United Nations condemning Russia’s occupation of Ukraine but has not joined Western sanctions against Russia.