Photo:PrintScreen Instagram/buducnostsrbijeav
On May 25, the second day of his official visit to China, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic met with Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang and discussed “further improving bilateral relations, new investments, infrastructure projects, as well as key geo-political and regional issues.”
“I reiterated that the friendship and partnership with China are invaluable to our country and expressed thanks for the immense contribution to our economic development through investments, infrastructure and new technologies. That very collaboration has breathed new life into many factories, mines, roads and railways and renewed faith and security in numerous [Serbian] citizens,” Vucic wrote on Instagram following his meeting with Li at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People.
Vucic called his visit to Beijing “historic” for precisely these reasons and opined that his conversations with China’s top leadership will be of “the greatest” importance to Serbia, its people and its national interests.
The Serbian president voiced particular thanks to his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, for his personal investment and genuine attitude toward Serbia as well as for the support he has provided the country and its people at the most critical times. Vucic underlined that Chinese-Serbian relations have peaked owing to Xi’s vision and the mutual trust the two presidents have developed.
Serbia strongly supports the One China Policy as well as the Belt and Road Initiative, viewing the latter as a “precious contribution to linking countries, more equal development and the preservation of global stability,” said Vucic, and expressed his belief that the Serbia and China will continue to build “even stronger political, economic and cultural ties, based on the mutual respect and true understanding between [their] peoples.”
At a press conference following the Great Hall meetings, Vucic stated that Serbia has received much support and that he hopes this will continue during his later, most important meeting with President Xi.
Vucic explained that his conversation with Li Qiang was divided into five topics, mostly economic, with only the last dealing directly with politics. This, Vucic specified, pertained to collaboration within multilateral institutions, mutual support to each country’s policies, including with regards to Taiwan and Kosovo, and how best to cooperate.
President Vucic also said he was very pleased with his May 25 meeting with Wang Huning, the chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. Vucic called Wang one of the most important people in China, stating he participated in shaping China’s foreign policy and Chinese ideology.
“I’m delighted with the meetings we had this morning. Very important meetings, and now the most important one awaits. We will have a total of four hours and 15 minutes with President Xi. I believe it will go well and end well for our country,” Vucic said.
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