Xi: Sino-Serbian relations on high level

BELGRADE - Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday in Belgrade he was honoured and impressed by the magnificent welcome in the Serbian capital, as well as by the hospitality and friendship of the people of Serbia, which he noted confirmed that Sino-Serbian relations were on a high level and that the two nations maintained an iron-clad friendship.

Speaking at the Palace of Serbia, Xi said he hoped his visit to Serbia would open a new chapter in the relations between the two countries.

"I am very happy to be here, in your beautiful and friendly country," Xi told Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.

"President Vucic, you greeted me at the airport, other political leaders were also there, and I was now honoured by such a magnificent ceremony - impressed and deeply touched," Xi said.

He said this showed that the Serbs saw the Chinese as their best, iron-clad friends.

"This is truly a mutual and sincere friendship and there is a strong sentiment of friendship between the two countries, and I welcome that," Xi said.

He said he was in Belgrade as part of a tour of Europe and that he was visiting Serbia for a second time in eight years.

"This shows that our relations are on a high level and that there is deep friendship. I am deeply impressed with the kindness of our friends," Xi said, noting that he had vivid memories of his previous visit in 2016.

"My visit at the time was an indication of an iron-clad friendship. When I visited the HBIS steel mill in Smederevo, there were many people in the streets to welcome us and, inside the steel mill, I had a cordial meeting with workers and saw how much they looked forward to our cooperation. The smiles on their faces indicated a friendly attitude," he said.

He said that, eight years ago, the two countries had decided to raise their relations to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership.

"Serbia become China's first strategic partner in central and eastern Europe," Xi noted, adding that he hoped his visit would meet the expectations of the people of Serbia.

Earlier, Vucic, his wife Tamara and Serbian government ministers led by PM Milos Vucevic welcomed Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan in a red-carped ceremony outside the Palace.

Xi arrived in Belgrade on Tuesday night.

The Chinese president, who is on a five-day tour of Europe, visited France on May 5 and will travel to Budapest after Belgrade.