Foreign and Military Affairs

China, Serbia to add impetus to friendship

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-07-15 10:20

BELGRADE - Top Chinese legislator Wu Bangguo on Wednesday met with Serbian President Boris Tadic, vowing to add new impetus to the traditional friendship between China and Serbia.

"I am here to help realize the consensus between the two heads of states, pushing forward our strategic partnership and traditional friendship," said Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), who arrived here on Wednesday afternoon for a three-day visit.

Wu is the first NPC Standing Committee chairman to visit Serbia over the past decade. China and Serbia have kept long-time friendship, and shared mutual support and respect. Last August President Tadic visited China and reached agreement with Chinese President Hu Jintao on establishing the strategic partnership, which opened a new page for the relationship.

Wu said Sino-Serbian relations are time-tested and have endured many changes in the international situation. He attributed this to the mutual support between the two countries on issues concerning the core interests of one another.

"This precious legacy should be cherished by both peoples, and will serve as a fundamental guarantee of the further development of Sino-Serbian ties," Wu said.

On trade relations, Wu stressed China and Serbia should strengthen cooperation on infrastructure construction and investment.

Tadic said developing relations with China is one of Serbia's diplomatic priorities, and that his government would like to strengthen exchanges with China in all areas and at all levels. The two sides should maintain coordination in the United Nations and other international organizations, he added.

The Serbian leader also expressed appreciation of China's support on the Kosovo issue, and reaffirmed that Serbia will firmly adhere to the one-China policy.

On Wednesday afternoon, Wu also held talks with Serbian Parliamentary Speaker Slavica Djukic-Dejanovic.

Wu said the NPC values its relations with the Serbian parliament. He suggested the two legislatures enhance exchanges between special committees and friendship groups, encourage contacts between young legislators, and strengthen coordination in the international parliamentary organizations.

Djukic-Dejanovic said furthering relations with China has long been the aspiration of all Serbian parties, and the Serbian parliament supports the government's decision to push forward cooperation with China, and will promote exchanges with the NPC.

Six documents on cultural and trade cooperation were signed after the talks. Wu also attended late Wednesday the groundbreaking ceremony of a bridge to be built in Belgrade with Chinese assistance.