Expanding mutual tourism with China key to deepening future exchanges: Serbian minister

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

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Friday said the Lebanon-Israel framework agreement signed earlier in the day in Washington marked the beginning of the path toward restoring Lebanon's full sovereignty, vowing to continue working until the process is completed.

In a statement issued by the Lebanese Presidency, Aoun said the agreement represents the first step toward enabling displaced Lebanese to return to their land, stressing that Lebanon would no longer accept occupation.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Friday that Israel and Lebanon have reached a U.S.-brokered framework agreement for "lasting peace and security."

In a statement, he described the agreement as establishing a clear, structured process to restore Lebanese sovereignty, disarm Hezbollah and dismantle its infrastructure, while ensuring Israel returns to its border once threats to citizens are removed.

A U.S.-facilitated Lebanese tripartite military coordination group will also be set up to help both sides implement the framework, he said.

In a televised speech on Friday, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said Hezbollah and its supporters are now facing a "war of extermination". He also noted that Israel must fully and unconditionally withdraw from all Lebanese territory and halt all air, land and sea aggression.

Lebanese president vows to advancing accord with Israel to restore sovereignty