Dragoslav Pavlović, the Mayor of the city of Niš, has become one of the few mayors from the Balkans to undertake a significant visit to the United States with the goal of strengthening cooperation between Serbia and the U.S. His visit focused on exchanging ideas, exploring advanced technologies, visiting successful American companies, connecting with the Serbian diaspora, and developing political and cultural partnerships.
During his stay in the United States, Mayor Pavlović visited several states, including Wisconsin, Florida, and Illinois. In these states, discussions were initiated regarding the establishment of “sister city” partnerships between Niš and American cities, which would enable long-term cooperation in business, education, culture, and innovation. As part of these initiatives, the mayor also met with American congressmen, senators, and governors to discuss ways to strengthen institutional and economic cooperation between U.S. states and the city of Niš.
One of the main goals of the visit was to attract American investment to Niš. Pavlović emphasized that he is actively working to bring American companies to the city. According to him, the conversations and initiatives launched during this visit could result in more than 1,000 new jobs for the citizens of Niš.
During his time in Chicago, Mayor Pavlović also had the opportunity to meet and spend time with NBA legend Scottie Pippen, a six-time NBA champion. This meeting symbolizes the growing connection between the Serbian community in the United States and well-known figures from the worlds of sports and public life.
Interest in Serbia has also been shown by the film industry. Hollywood actor Brandon T. Jackson expressed his desire to visit Serbia and Niš, as well as to participate in future festivals and expo events that could further strengthen cultural cooperation.
The mayor particularly highlighted that he was impressed by the success of transportation companies in the United States led by people from our region. He also held discussions with representatives of the company Light Speed, which is developing technology for building houses using robots without human labor. Representatives of this company expressed interest in making Serbia a distribution center for Europe for their technology.
During his stay in Florida, the mayor also had the opportunity to visit one of the most well-known American podcasts—the PBD Podcast in Fort Lauderdale. His host on that occasion was the well-known comedian and commentator Vincent Oshana. The PBD Podcast is one of the most influential business and political podcasts in the United States and recently hosted President Donald Trump, which further demonstrates its significance and popularity.
As part of diplomatic meetings, Pavlović also visited Mar-a-Lago, the residence of U.S. President Donald Trump, where he had the opportunity to speak with individuals from Republican political circles. He noted that the reception was exceptionally warm and that the experience will remain a special memory for him.
Inspired by certain American governance models, Pavlović is considering proposing the creation of a similar concept to a Department of Government Efficiency, aimed at improving the efficiency of public administration both at the city level in Niš and potentially at the national level in Serbia.
During the visit, members of the Serbian diaspora launched an initiative to build the largest cross in Serbia and Europe on Vinik Hill in Niš, as a symbol of faith, unity, and identity. Mayor Pavlović welcomed the idea and announced that the city will begin the first steps toward realizing this major and meaningful project.
Pavlović also had the honor of meeting Metropolitan Longin, one of the most respected spiritual leaders of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the United States. Metropolitan Longin is currently leading the construction of a new building in Libertyville, Illinois, valued at approximately $6 million, which is being realized with strong support from the Serbian diaspora. Many describe him as a man who brings together and unites the Serbian people abroad and who represents the Orthodox faith in the best possible way, preserving spiritual values among Serbs.
During the visit, the mayor of Niš also discussed strengthening relations between Serbia and the United States through stronger connections with the diaspora. Pavlović plans to more actively engage city representatives for diaspora relations so that ideas, investments, and business opportunities from abroad can more easily reach Niš and Serbia.
Sports cooperation was also a topic of discussion. Pavlović initiated conversations about developing partnerships between American sports organizations and FK Radnički Niš, with the goal of supporting young athletes and strengthening international sports collaboration.
“This visit has shown the tremendous potential that exists when Serbia and the United States work together. My goal is to bring ideas, innovations, and investments to Niš so that our city can progress, create new jobs, and strengthen international partnerships,” Pavlović stated.
This visit represents an important step toward strengthening ties between the American business community and the city of Niš, opening doors for future cooperation in technology, education, sports, and economic development.
