Representatives of the Serbian government and the United States of America yesterday signed two agreements on aid to Serbia worth USD 18.8 million for strengthening of democratic institutions and new activities aimed at stimulating economic growth.

Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Bozidar Djelic signed the agreements on behalf of Serbia, while Mission Director of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission to Serbia Susan Fritz signed them on behalf of the United States.

U.S. Ambassador to Serbia Mary Burce Warlick, also present at the signing, underscored the importance of the renewed partnership between the USA and Serbia, underlining that the agreements are support to Serbia on its way to the membership in the EU.

The agreement on assistance worth USD 10 million is for strengthening transparency, professionalism and responsibility of the state institutions, aimed at more efficient use of resources and building of institutions that serve the interests of citizens.

The other agreement is worth USD 8.8 million and it is intended to help improve competitiveness, aiming at helping Serbia get better prepared for its membership in the EU, open new jobs and improve public services. Over the past 10 years, the United States has allocated, through USAID, over USD 765 million of assistance to Serbia's citizens to help them improve living conditions and strengthen democracy.