Xi: China supports Serbia's efforts to preserve territorial integrity

BELGRADE - Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday in Belgrade China supported Serbia's endeavours to conduct an independent policy and follow a path of development that suited its own interests, as well as its efforts to preserve its sovereignty and territorial integrity regarding the Kosovo-Metohija issue.

"The two countries firmly support mutual interests and we truly have strong political relations. China supports Serbia in standing by its independence and following its path of development on its own terms," Xi said at a press conference with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.

Xi said an agreement had been reached with Vucic for Serbia and China to expand strategic cooperation.

"Today, Serbia has become the first European country where we will be building a community with a shared future. That says much about the strategic, special relations between our two countries, which are on an extremely high level. We have witnessed the signing of numerous documents on cooperation that will strengthen the cooperation and well-being of both countries. Our high-quality cooperation within the Belt and Road initiative has produced exceptional results," Xi said.

He said China and Serbia would continue to advance their productive cooperation across a broad spectrum of fields.

"That will enable a strong impetus to social and economic development of the two countries, which is also a concrete step towards advancement of a universal economic globalisation that is beneficial to all. We both agreed to advance, firmly and constantly, cooperation in fields such as transport and energy infrastructure, as well as to make cooperation in innovation a new driving force of our bilateral relations," the Chinese leader noted.

"We will completely advance cooperation in culture, education, sports and tourism. Serbia and China will also strengthen experience-sharing when it comes to governance," Xi said.

He added that China and Serbia would jointly implement an initiative for global development, global security and a global civilisation and advance the building of a community for a shared future of mankind.

Xi noted that a Sino-Serbian FTA, to take effect on July 1, was the first practical step on the path to building the community.

"The two sides will be advocating a fair approach and justice and together oppose hegemonism and a policy of power," he also said.

"Friends, history tells us that the Serbian-Chinese friendship is one forged in our exceptional joint struggle to advance global peace and development. It was forged by the blood and lives of our two peoples. As we look to the future, building a joint future of Serbia and China in a new era is a strategic choice," Xi said.