Beijing, May 26: Chinese President Xi Jinping and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic held talks on Monday in Beijing, emphasizing the unbreakable friendship between their nations. They committed to enhancing cooperation across various sectors, including transportation, emerging fields, and cultural exchanges.
Vucic is on his first official visit to China from May 24 to 28. He has previously visited China several times for international events. Notably, he attended the 80th anniversary celebrations of the Chinese people’s victory over Japanese aggression and global fascism last September.
During the discussions, Xi highlighted that since Vucic’s state visit to Serbia in 2024, both countries have embarked on a new chapter in building a community with a shared future, benefiting their peoples and establishing an exemplary model for international relations.
Xi emphasized that the unique friendship between China and Serbia is rooted in deep historical ties and strong practical foundations. He urged both sides to continue their firm support for each other.
“China supports Serbia in following a development path suited to its national conditions and is eager to strengthen the exchange of governance experiences,” Xi stated.
Recognizing that China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) outlines comprehensive arrangements for high-quality development, Xi called for better alignment of development strategies between the two nations. He urged the implementation of the mid-term work plan for “Belt and Road” cooperation and advancing collaboration in transportation and energy infrastructure.
In light of the new scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation, Xi suggested enhancing cooperation in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, digital economy, green energy, and advanced manufacturing to foster new development drivers.
He called for broader cooperation in culture, education, sports, tourism, and sub-national exchanges by leveraging visa exemption policies, free trade agreements, and direct flights. Xi stressed the need for close coordination and cooperation between China and Serbia in global affairs amid an unstable international landscape.
He further stated that both countries should practice true multilateralism and be committed to promoting a fair and orderly multipolar world, as well as universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, to build a community with a shared future for humanity.
During Vucic’s visit, Xi awarded him the Friendship Medal, China’s highest honorary award for foreign citizens. At the ceremony, Xi emphasized that the medal not only recognizes Vucic’s contributions to China-Serbia friendship but also reflects the heartfelt expectations of both peoples in building a community with a shared future.
Xi noted that Vucic has consistently shown firm and clear support for China’s core interests and major concerns, earning the respect of the Chinese people.
Vucic described receiving the medal as one of the most significant moments of his life, stating that it represents not only the highest honor for him but also recognition of Serbia’s sovereignty, freedom, and development pursuits.
Acknowledging that China always respects smaller nations and stands by the Serbian people during difficult times, Vucic affirmed that Serbia will never forget China’s support and assistance. He pledged to dedicate himself to fostering Serbia-China friendship and working together with China to advance the community with a shared future.
Appreciating the unwavering friendship between the two countries, Vucic expressed gratitude for the participation and significant contributions of Chinese enterprises to Serbia’s development. He stated that Serbia is eager to deepen high-quality “Belt and Road” cooperation, advance major projects, and enhance people-to-people exchanges to achieve more concrete results in bilateral relations.
Vucic also expressed Serbia’s support for major global initiatives proposed by President Xi and its readiness to strengthen multilateral coordination with China to maintain international peace, fairness, and justice.
Following the talks, both leaders witnessed the signing of over 20 cooperation documents covering various fields, including politics, economy, trade, science and technology, education, legal matters, and culture.
Additionally, both sides issued joint statements on continuously promoting the construction of a community with a shared future for China and Serbia and on jointly advancing the implementation of global development initiatives, global security initiatives, global civilization initiatives, and global governance initiatives.
Before the talks, Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, hosted a welcome ceremony for Vucic and his wife, Tamara Vucic, at the Great Hall of the People. Xi and Peng also held a welcome banquet for them in the evening.
(Source: China Media Group, Beijing)
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