Vučić told Claudia Tenney: "We are infinitely grateful that you never refused to talk" PHOTO/VIDEO

"Dear friend, it is an honor to thank you. The relationship with America is one of the biggest strategic goals of our country," Vučić began.

He then referred to America's support for Serbia, especially since the victory of Donald Trump, as well as the support it provides to our country regarding Kosovo.

"Keeping in mind the alliance of our countries throughout history, we stood on the same side. Let's remember the Halyard operation, the anniversary of which we celebrated together. Your support is equally important, as well as your contribution to the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina," explained Vučić.

"Today we can proudly state that the positive dynamics of relations between the Republic of Serbia and the United States of America opens up new opportunities with the perspective of developing cooperation within the mechanism of strategic dialogue," said Aleksandar Vučić and explained that Mrs. Tenney was with Serbia in the most difficult moments for our country.

"This especially applies to the period after the victory of American President Donald Trump in the elections in the United States. We greatly appreciate the support of the USA on our path to full membership in the EU, which is one of the strategic goals of our country. Equally important is your continued support in preserving stability, peace and security in the Western Balkans region, as well as your contribution to the process of normalizing relations between Belgrade and Pristina through dialogue, regardless of all our differences on that important issue for Serbia.

For almost two decades, the Republic of Serbia has been fighting with all diplomatic means to preserve its national sovereignty and territorial integrity and is fully committed to finding a sustainable solution to the issue of Kosovo and Metohija, with full respect for the basic principles of international law and legally binding resolutions of the United Nations Security Council," said Vučić.

"She did not avoid talking to us even when we were under the influence of various resolutions. We are infinitely grateful to you for that, Mrs. Tenney, and I wish you to feel at home in Serbia," Vučić said to Claudia Tenney before presenting her with the Order of the Serbian Flag, First Degree.

After Aleksandar Vučić, Claudia Tenney addressed the crowd, who recalled that her first stay in Belgrade was during her student days in 1981.

Claudia Tenney's address

"I am connected to all the people in the former Yugoslavia, I could also receive an award from the Chamber of Commerce, because of all the people I brought here, who now work and study here," she said.

She told an anecdote by the way, when Donald Trump called her last night and sent a message to Serbia.

She mentioned that she has seen big changes in these 40 years, starting with the airport and beyond. "Thank you, President Vučić, for the big changes," added Claudia Tenney.

"I am grateful to support Serbia and I hope that we will do everything to make this country successful in its further development. I will be glad to return to my friends and family with a great experience in the field of culture," she concluded.

"We greatly appreciate the support of the USA"

After the meeting and presentation of the Order, Vučić posted on his Instagram account.

"Dear friend, dear Claudia, it is my honor to thank you today for your outstanding contribution to the improvement of relations between the Republic of Serbia and the United States of America, through your strong advocacy within the US Congress and in the capacity of co-chairing the Serbian caucus. Today we can proudly state that the positive dynamics of the relations between the Republic of Serbia and the United States of America opens up new opportunities with the prospect of developing cooperation within the framework of the strategic dialogue mechanism. This particularly applies to the period after the victory of US President Donald Trump in the elections in USA.

We greatly appreciate the support of the USA on our path to full membership in the European Union, which is one of the strategic goals of our country. Equally important is your continued support in preserving stability, peace and security in the Western Balkans region, as well as your contribution to the process of normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina, through dialogue and regardless of all our differences on this important issue for Serbia. I especially thank you for your understanding of the need to respect the rights of the Serbs and other non-Albanian population in Kosovo and Metohija, as well as for your courageous criticism of Pristina's unilateral moves, when those rights are unilaterally violated.

The decision of true friends is to support each other and that is why we owe you our gratitude, we recognize and appreciate your commitment. Mrs. Tenney always kept and nurtured friendship towards our country. We are infinitely grateful to you for that. We want you to feel at home here in Serbia. Therefore, it is an extraordinary honor for me to present you with a decoration for special merits in developing and strengthening cooperation and international relations between the Republic of Serbia and the United States of America - the Order of the Serbian Flag, first degree. Thank you very much for everything you have done for our friendship," wrote Vučić.