Chinese President Xi Jinping’s State Visit to Serbia

From May 7 to 8, 2024, Chinese President Xi Jinping successfully completed his state visit to Serbia. This visit marked the first reciprocal visit between the heads of state of China and Serbia in several years, highlighting the importance of the friendly relations between the two countries.

During the visit, President Xi held multiple talks and meetings with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and deepening cooperation. Both sides acknowledged the deep-rooted friendship and significant potential for cooperation between China and Serbia, agreeing to further enhance high-level exchanges, deepen political mutual trust, expand economic and trade cooperation, and promote cultural exchanges.

The two leaders witnessed the signing of a series of bilateral cooperation agreements covering various fields such as economy, trade, infrastructure, and culture. Both countries reached a consensus to jointly promote the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative, deepening cooperation in infrastructure construction, connectivity, clean energy, and the digital economy, bringing tangible benefits to the people of both countries.

Additionally, President Xi attended the China-Serbia Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum and met with other senior Serbian officials. They had in-depth discussions on topics such as bilateral trade, investment, and technological innovation, reaching a consensus on further strengthening cooperation.

On May 8, President Xi, together with President Vučić, announced the first six measures supporting the construction of a new era China-Serbia community of shared future:

1. China and Serbia’s Free Trade Agreement: Under joint efforts, the China and Serbia Free Trade Agreement will officially come into effect on July 1 this year, providing more favorable conditions for trade between the two countries.
2. Hosting of Specialized Expo: China supports Serbia in hosting the 2027 Specialized Expo, pledging to send delegations and encourage Chinese enterprises to participate in related construction projects, injecting new impetus into economic cooperation between the two countries.
3. Agricultural Imports: China is willing to expand the import of high-quality Serbian specialty agricultural products, promoting cooperation and development in the agricultural sector between the two countries.
4. Scientific Research Exchange: China will support 50 young Serbian scientists to conduct research exchanges in China over the next three years, creating a platform for scientific and technological innovation cooperation.
5. Youth Exchange: China will invite 300 Serbian youths to study in China over the next three years, strengthening friendly exchanges and cooperation between the young people of the two countries.
6. Direct Flight Routes: China welcomes Serbia to open a direct flight route from Belgrade to Shanghai and encourages airline companies to establish a direct route from Belgrade to Guangzhou, facilitating exchanges and interactions between the peoples of the two countries.

This visit not only deepened the traditional friendship between China and Serbia but also injected new momentum into future cooperation. It is believed that with the joint efforts of both sides, China-Serbia friendly cooperative relations will embrace an even brighter future.