Chinese President Xi Jinping said China and Serbia will open a historic, new chapter of bilateral relations during his talks with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in Belgrade on Wednesday.
Xi paid a state visit to Serbia from Tuesday to Wednesday at the invitation of Vucic, eight years after his last visit to the country.
"As a Serbian proverb says, 'Mountains do not meet, but people always do.' Similarly, we Chinese say, 'Distance cannot divide true friends who are thousands of miles apart.' Mr. President has warmly invited me many times to visit friendly Serbia, and I am here today as promised. Good friends should meet and communicate more often," Xi said to Vucic during their talks.
"During this visit, we will sign a joint statement on deepening and upgrading the China-Serbia comprehensive strategic partnership and building a China-Serbia community with a shared future in the new era so as to open a new historic chapter in bilateral relations. Standing at a new historical starting point, a brighter future for China-Serbia relations is unfolding," Xi said.
Vucic expressed appreciation to the Chinese president's visit to Serbia.
"Dear Mr. President, friends from China, distinguished guests, I am very grateful for your visit and for having such a frank and open conversation. Our conversation touched on almost all topics. We have never had such an in-depth exchange of views on the global situation and future like we had with President Xi. I once again express my gratitude for giving us the opportunity to learn a lot from your experience and listen to a lot of your suggestions. Thank you for the respect you have shown to a small country like Serbia. We are very grateful," said Vucic.