On the afternoon of November 6, 2023, President Xi Jinping met with Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic at the Great Hall of the People.
Noting President Aleksandar Vučić's attendance at the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in China not long ago and Prime Minister Brnabic's attendance at the sixth China International Import Expo (CIIE), Xi Jinping pointed out that such moves have demonstrated Serbia's sincere friendship with the Chinese people and firm commitment to developing relations with China. China and Serbia are "ironclad friends" having stood together through thick and thin. The bilateral relationship boasts a profound historical foundation, solid public support, extensive common interests and a strong driving force for cooperation. In recent years, China-Serbia relations have shown high-level robustness, with enriching dimensions of the comprehensive strategic partnership and fruitful results in practical cooperation. Under the new circumstances, China is ready to work with Serbia to promote the high-quality development of bilateral relations and deliver more benefits to the two peoples.
Xi Jinping stressed that the two sides should make joint efforts to properly build and operate major cooperation projects, work for an early entry into force of the China-Serbia free trade agreement, strengthen cooperation on scientific and technological innovation, deepen cooperation in such areas as education, sports and tourism, expand personnel exchanges, and carry forward China-Serbia friendship. China supports Serbia in pursuing an independent development path, and stands ready to work with Serbia to strengthen multilateral coordination and collaboration, and jointly safeguard international fairness and justice.
Noting her visit to China to attend the CIIE in Shanghai in 2019 and this visit to China after several years, Brnabic expressed deep admiration for China's rapid development and revitalization and President Xi Jinping's strategic foresight and outstanding leadership. Serbia-China relations are solid and sound, and China has become Serbia's largest investment partner, with bilateral cooperation projects like the HBIS Smederevo Steel Plant having changed the outlook of Serbia's national development. The conclusion of the free trade agreement between the two countries in half a year fully demonstrates the firm determination of both sides to further deepen relations. China has always supported Serbia in safeguarding national sovereignty and dignity, for which the Serbian people are deeply grateful. Serbia firmly pursues the one-China policy and expects to work with China to continue mutual support, continuously advance Belt and Road cooperation, and deepen cooperation in such areas as scientific and technological innovation, and people-to-people and cultural exchanges.
Wang Yi was present at the meeting.
