At a signing ceremony in the Oval Office, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic praised former President Trump’s commitment to the region, commending him for doing a “great job.” Vucic invited Trump to visit Serbia, noting he’d be the first U.S. president to do so since Jimmy Carter.
The press pool entered the Oval Office at 11:35 a.m. Kosovo’s Prime Minister was seated to Trump’s right, while Vucic sat to his left at small desks.
“Serbia and Kosovo have each committed to economic normalization,” Trump announced. He also mentioned progress on Middle East peace, referencing several unnamed countries and expressing a desire to visit their nations.
Vice President Pence, Senior Adviser Jared Kushner, Sen. Ron Johnson, and Ambassador Richard Grenell stood behind Trump as the leaders signed the agreement.
Officials expressed hope that economic normalization would pave the way for political progress. “Let’s give them a little taste of the Trump economy,” Grenell said.
Trump highlighted the lengthy conflict, saying, “It took decades because you didn’t have anybody trying to get it done. There was a lot of fighting, and now there’s a lot of love.” He credited Grenell for uniting the nations, noting that “economics can bring people together.”
Prime Minister Hoti of Kosovo praised the agreement as a significant step forward. Vice President Pence congratulated both leaders, lauding Trump’s “commitment to peace.”
Trump thanked Johnson, remarking on the large Serbian and Kosovar communities in Wisconsin. Johnson called people from those countries “fantastic hosts” and described the day as “a big day for stability in the Balkans.” He congratulated the people of Kosovo and Serbia, emphasizing the importance of economic cooperation.
“You have a very good tennis player playing right now,” Trump said to Vucic, offering a lighter moment.
