Chinese President Xi Jinping visits Serbia, opening a new chapter in bilateral relations. Photo: Reuters

In his arrival statement at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport, President Xi Jinping praised the traditional friendly relationship between China and Serbia, which he said “has stood the test of changing international environment and become a fine example of state-to-state relations.”

Xi emphasized “China and Serbia have rendered each other firm support on issues concerning our respective core interests and major concerns.”

“We have jointly upheld international fairness and justice, and contributed our share to promoting world peace and development. Cooperation between the two countries is rooted in the principle of equality and mutual benefits. It serves the fundamental and long-term interests of both countries, provides strong momentum for our respective development and rejuvenation, brings benefits to the two peoples, and contributes to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind," according to the statement.

President Xi expressed China’s readiness to work with Serbia to “open up a new vista in China-Serbia cooperation with stronger momentum, greater scope, and higher quality.”

He said he will take this visit as an opportunity to discuss the bilateral relationship and other issues of mutual interest, renew friendship, plan for cooperation, explore development, and draw up a new blueprint for the development of bilateral relations.