Xi Jinping started his visit to Serbia; Vučić: "Dear friend, welcome" VIDEO

The last time Xi was in Serbia was in 2016, which was the first visit of the President of China to Serbia after 32 years, and on that occasion the Declaration on Strategic Partnership was signed.

Vučić to Xi: "Welcome to Serbia"

Along with President Aleksandar Vučić and the First Lady, Chinese President Xi Jinping was welcomed on the red carpet by the Serbian delegation consisting of Prime Minister Miloš Vučević, President of the Assembly Ana Brnabić, Minister of Foreign Affairs Marko Djurić.

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Xi: Steel friendship between China and Serbia has taken deeper roots in the hearts of the two nations

The President of the People's Republic of China, Xi Jingping, said this evening, upon his arrival in Belgrade, that the steel friendship of Serbia and China has taken deeper roots in the hearts of the two nations.

He also said that he is convinced that this visit will be fruitful and open a new chapter in the relations between the two countries.

"China and Serbia have provided each other firm support in matters concerning our core interests and major concerns. We have jointly supported international fairness and justice and contributed our share in promoting peace and development in the world," Xi said in a statement issued by Embassy of China in Serbia.

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He pointed out that it was a great pleasure for him to pay a state visit to the Republic of Serbia at the cordial invitation of President Aleksandar Vučić and, on behalf of the Chinese government and people, he sent cordial greetings and best wishes to the friendly government and people of Serbia.

"China and Serbia have deep traditional friendship. Our bilateral relations have withstood the test of the changing international environment and become a fine example of interstate relations. Since the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2016, bilateral relations have achieved historic results. The two countries are bound by solid political mutual trust and have achieved fruitful results in high-quality "Belt and Road" cooperation'', said Xi.

He recalled that the two countries agreed on a comprehensive mutual exemption from visas, opened direct flights and signed a Free Trade Agreement, and that people-to-people exchanges are becoming more and more powerful.

"Standing at a new historical starting point, China will work with Serbia to remain committed to the original aspiration and advance together in opening a new vista in China-Serbia cooperation with stronger momentum, greater scope and higher quality," said the Chinese President.

He emphasized that he is looking forward to using this visit as an opportunity for a detailed exchange of views with President Vučić on bilateral relations and other issues of common interest, to renew friendship, plan cooperation, explore development and create a new plan for the development of bilateral relations.

"I am convinced that this visit will be fruitful and that it will open a new chapter in relations between China and Serbia," Xi concluded.