Remarks after meeting with Sremska Mitrovica Mayor Branislav Nedimovic
May 16, 2011
Thank you, Mr. Mayor, for your hospitality in hosting me today for my first visit to Sremska Mitrovica.
I just had the opportunity to meet with Mayor Nedimović to discuss a wide array of issues facing Sremska Mitrovica. We discussed the mayor’s plans for economic development in the municipality and the role that international investment can play. In this area, Mayor Nedimović has shown strong leadership in his work to increase investment by aligning local and regional goals with European Union accession goals.
The United States has long been active in supporting the Sremska Mitrovica area. I am pleased that we have been able to assist in developing investment in the region. Currently our USAID Mission is providing Sremska Mitrovica’s Basic Court with technical assistance in court case management. In addition, thanks to USAID assistance, the city now has an active Local Economic Development Office. We are also encouraging U.S. and other international companies to invest in Sremska Mitrovica and other business-friendly municipalities.
Today I will also visit the Sirmium Imperial Palace complex and several other important historical sites. Making these sites accessible to the public both preserves the region’s cultural heritage and draws tourists, who benefit the local economy. I am pleased that the United States had a role in bringing the Sirmium project to fruition through Dr. Michael Werner, an archaeologist from the State University of New York at Albany who will be in Serbia next year as a Fulbright fellow at Belgrade’s Faculty of Economics.
Thank you again, Mr. Mayor, for your hospitality. I hope that our cooperation and warm relations will continue in the future. I wish you continued success in all of your efforts to build a stronger and more prosperous municipality.