My family and I arrived in Serbia a year ago, and we feel so lucky to be able to call this beautiful country home.
We have travelled a lot. We have learned a lot. And everywhere we have gone, we have met amazing people doing amazing things.
I see so much potential in this country. And I am proud of the progress we have already made in building a more modern, dynamic and forward-looking partnership.
Our annual trade is now worth over a billion pounds. And it is growing fast, especially in cutting-edge sectors like digital, AI and biotech.
We have financed the Morava corridor motorway, and we are planning many more exciting projects that will transform Serbia’s transport and energy infrastructure.
Our defence partnership dates back nearly 200 years, including our alliance in two World Wars. Today, our soldiers serve together on UN operations in Cyprus, while our prosecutors and police carry out successful joint operations against organised criminals.
Above all, this year has shown me how much Serbs and Brits have in common. We enjoy so many of the same things, from the Premier League to beer (piva – alliteration!). Highlights for me this year have included concerts here in Belgrade by Ed Sheeran and Rod Stewart, our British-Serbian fashion show, Red Star playing Manchester City, and our Wimbledon-themed King’s Birthday Party.
Of course, there is much more to do.
We will continue to work closely with the government, and with brave and capable experts from civil society, to strengthen Serbia’s democratic and judicial institutions, to improve the independence and quality of your media, and to empower women and girls around the country.
And we will remain resolute in upholding regional stability, so that people in Serbia, and across the Western Balkans, can live their lives in peace and prosperity.
So thank you for your warm welcome, to me and my family. I see a bright future for our two countries.
Onwards and upwards!