Expanding mutual tourism is vital for strengthening future China-Serbia relations, emphasized Goran Josipovic, Serbia's Acting Assistant Minister of Tourism and Youth, during his visit to Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, in east China.
The upcoming China-CEEC Expo and International Consumer Goods Fair aims to enhance trade and foster cooperation between China and the Central and Eastern European countries (CEEC). The event highlights the importance of these partnerships in driving economic and cultural exchanges.
Taking place in Ningbo from May 22 to 25, the 4th China-CEEC Expo and International Consumer Goods Fair is set to bring greater focus to Central and Eastern Europe. Serbia will showcase its unique offerings, ranging from handcrafted aromatherapy products to authentic spirits and coffee, illustrating the diversity of its cultural heritage.
"The purpose of our visit here is to promote the Serbian merchandise here in China, and more Serbian goods to be sold in China. And also to have more Chinese tourists visiting Serbia. In the past three to four years, Chinese tourists visit Serbia in large numbers, and Serbian tourism depends upon the Chinese tourists. Having more Chinese tourists visiting Serbia is very important for us, for our economy, and our overall trade with China. Thanks to our two presidents Xi Jinping and Aleksandar Vucic, the steel friendship between the two countries continues to strengthen in the areas of economy, trade and tourism. I hope that in the time to come, more Chinese tourists would visit Serbia, but also Serbian tourists to visit China," said Josipovic.
The 4th China-CEEC Expo demonstrates the shared commitment to nurturing vibrant cultural and economic connections, paving the way for a prosperous future between China and Serbia.
Expanding mutual tourism with China key to deepening future exchanges: Serbian minister
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
