Xi stresses mutual understanding

Serbia

During his meeting with Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic, Xi pointed out that China and Serbia are ironclad friends who have stood together through thick and thin. Under the new circumstances, China is willing to work with Serbia to promote the high-quality development of bilateral ties and better benefit the two peoples, he said.

Xi emphasized the need for both countries to make concerted efforts to build and operate major cooperation projects, and promote the early entry into force of the China-Serbia Free Trade Agreement.

China supports Serbia in pursuing an independent development path, and is willing to enhance multilateral coordination and cooperation with Serbia to jointly uphold international fairness and justice, he added.

Brnabic hailed the development of bilateral ties, saying that China has become Serbia's largest investment partner, and cooperation projects such as the Smederevo Steel Plant have transformed Serbia's national development.

The free trade agreement reached between the two countries within six months fully demonstrates their firm determination to further deepen their relationship, she said.

Noting that China has always supported Serbia in safeguarding national sovereignty and dignity, Brnabic said Serbia firmly adheres to the one-China policy and wants to work with China to promote the joint construction of the Belt and Road.