Vucic receives birthday message from China's Xi

BELGRADE - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Tuesday received a birthday message from Chinese President Xi Jinping, who extended his best wishes and noted that Vucic was a politician with a strategic vision who always looked after the people's interests.

"I am glad that, under your leadership, Serbia is advocating independence and safeguarding its state interest, while economy- and society-building and improvement of the citizens' standard of living are seeing exceptional results. As an old friend of the Chinese people, you are a firm advocate of advancement of Sino-Serbian relations and cooperation in various fields, for which I express my deep respect to you," Xi wrote in the message.

He noted that his meeting with Vucic at last year's Belt and Road forum had addressed friendship and plans for cooperation, resulting in a broad consensus and outlining a new direction for development of bilateral relations, the press office of the president of Serbia said in a statement.

"I attach great significance to development of Sino-Serbian relations. I stand ready to invest joint efforts with you to advance the comprehensive Sino-Serbian strategic partnership to an even higher level and contribute even more to the well-being of both peoples. I expect to meet with you one more time. I wish you much health and success," Xi noted in the message.