Chinese President Xi Jinping and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic jointly met the press after their talks in Belgrade, Serbia on Wednesday.
On behalf of the Chinese government and people, Xi extended sincere greetings to President Vucic, the Serbian government and brotherly Serbian people.
Xi recalled his last state visit to Serbia in 2016, when he was warmly received by Serbian leaders and people.
Eight years later, he was glad to see that under the leadership of President Vucic, Serbia's economy and society have achieved robust growth, with significant improvements in composite national strength, international status, and the people's living standards, Xi said.
Noting that China and Serbia are true friends and good partners, he said that the two countries have enjoyed rock-firm political mutual trust, upgraded practical cooperation, and maintained close and smooth multilateral coordination, with their ironclad friendship gaining renewed vigor.
Xi highlighted the warm welcome he and his wife Peng Liyuan received upon their arrival in Serbia on Tuesday night. He also expressed his gratitude for the huge crowd gathering in front of the Palace of Serbia to greet him, further emphasizing the Serbian people's goodwill towards China and the Chinese people.
He said that he and President Vucic had an in-depth exchange of views on China-Serbia relations and issues of mutual concern in a friendly atmosphere, and reached many new important consensuses.
The two heads of state jointly announced the establishment of a China-Serbia community with a shared future in the new era, opening a new historic chapter in China-Serbia relations, Xi said.
Stressing that eight years ago, Serbia became China's first comprehensive strategic partner in Central and Eastern Europe, Xi said that today, Serbia has become the first European country to build a community with a shared future with China, which fully demonstrates the strategic, special and high-level nature of the bilateral relationship.
He said that the two countries have agreed to enhance strategic communication to grasp the overarching direction of the China-Serbia community with a shared future in the new era.
Xi said that the two sides should firmly support each other on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns, and bolster political foundations for the China-Serbia community with a shared future in the new era.
China supports Serbia in upholding independence and pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions, and also supports Serbia's efforts to safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity on the issue of Kosovo, he said.
The two presidents jointly witnessed the signing of multiple cooperation documents, fostering new drivers for China-Serbia cooperation, Xi said.
Noting that high-quality Belt and Road cooperation between the two countries has yielded fruitful results, he said that the two sides will continue to advance extensive practical cooperation featuring high quality and high profit, which will not only provide solid support for each other's economic and social development, but also serve as a vivid example to promote inclusive economic globalization that benefits all.
Xi said that both sides have agreed to steadily promote cooperation in traditional areas like transportation and energy infrastructure, and make innovative cooperation a new growth point in bilateral ties.
The two countries will expand people-to-people exchanges in various fields, deepen cultural, educational, sports, tourism and subnational cooperation in an all-round way, he said.
China and Serbia will strengthen exchanges between political parties and experience sharing on state governance, Xi said, adding that the two countries will jointly implement the three global initiatives of the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI), and the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.
He said that the two countries will uphold fairness and justice, and jointly oppose hegemonism and power politics.
Xi also announced six measures to support the building of a China-Serbia community with a shared future in the new era.
The six measures are as follows:
First, the free trade agreement between China and Serbia will take effect on July 1 with joint efforts from both sides.
Second, China supports Serbia in hosting Specialized Expo 2027. China will send a delegation to participate in the grand event, and encourage its enterprises to take part in the construction of relevant projects.
Third, China is ready to import more quality and distinctive agricultural products from Serbia.
Fourth, the Chinese side will in the next three years support 50 young Serbian scientists to carry out research and exchange programs in China.
Fifth, a total of 300 Serbian youths will be invited to study in China in the next three years.
Sixth, China welcomes Serbia to increase direct flights between Belgrade and Shanghai, and encourages airlines from both sides to launch direct flights between Belgrade and Guangzhou.
Looking back at history, the friendship between China and Serbia has been forged through their joint endeavors in safeguarding world peace and development, with sacrifice of blood and lives, Xi said.
Looking ahead, building a China-Serbia community with a shared future in the new era is a strategic choice of both sides, with the aim to fulfill the aspirations of both peoples for a better life, he added.
Noting that the foundation and driving force stem from the firm support and extensive participation of the people of the two countries, Xi said that China is willing to join hands with Serbia to embark on a new journey of building a community with a shared future in the new era, so that bilateral relations will continue to brim with new luster.
For his part, President Vucic said cooperation between Serbia and China has yielded fruitful results, delivering tangible benefits to the Serbian people.
He expressed gratitude for the practical measures that President Xi has announced to support Serbia-China cooperation. Serbia is proud to have such a great friend as China and is confident in the future of Serbia-China relations, Vucic said, adding that the country will continue to stand firmly with China on all issues involving China's core interests. The ironclad friendship between Serbia and China will not be disturbed or destroyed by any force, he stressed.
Serbia is the second leg of Xi's three-nation European tour. He has concluded his state visit to France and will arrive in Hungary later on Wednesday.
Xi, Vucic jointly meet press in Belgrade
Xi, Vucic jointly meet press in Belgrade
