Vucic: Xi's visit to Serbia confirmed for this year

BELGRADE - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Monday he had received confirmation Chinese President Xi Jinping would visit Serbia this year.

Vucic made the announcement at a Lunar New Year ceremony he hosted for Chinese Ambassador to Serbia Li Ming at Belgrade's Vila Mir.

"I would now like to say publicly in front of everyone that I have received confirmation in a discussion with the great Chinese director and FM Wang Yi - but I cannot speak about the details yet - that Xi Jinping, our sincere friend and a great leader of not only PR China but, I would say, one of the most significant world leaders, whom we want to welcome in the best atmosphere and in the most beautiful way, will visit our country this year, in the year of the Wood Dragon," Vucic said in a speech.

"It is never too late for good wishes even though the Chinese Lunar New Year began on February 10 - as the holidays are drawing to a close, I extend you heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for the progress of China and well-being of the Chinese people," Vucic said at the beginning of his address.

He said Sino-Serbian relations had attained a new quality through joint efforts in nearly all areas and were on an all-time high.

"The recently signed FTA with China, of which we in the Republic of Serbia are extremely proud, is extremely important for further strengthening of cooperation, in the economy in particular. I would like to thank you on this occasion for the strong support for the safeguarding of the territorial integrity of the Republic of Serbia and the respect for the norms of international public law and the UN Charter. The Republic of Serbia will always respect the principle of one and single China and you can always count on our country's support," Vucic said, reiterating his gratitude to China for standing with Serbia in difficult times.