Wang Yi Holds Talks with Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Selakovic

On October 28, 2021 local time, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Selakovic in Belgrade.

Wang Yi said, we had a fruitful meeting this past May in Guiyang. The two foreign ministers' exchange of visits in less than half a year fully reflected the great importance attached by both sides to China-Serbia relations and the high level of the two countries' comprehensive strategic partnership. Traditional China-Serbia friendship has withstood the test of changes in the world and emerged from the trying times of blood and fire with new dynamism and vitality. Under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China-Serbia comprehensive strategic partnership has grown to an unprecedented high level. Both sides have always firmly supported each other on issues concerning our respective core interests and major concerns, protecting our respective legitimate rights and interests and at the same time upholding international equity and justice. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Serbia have supported each other in difficult times, opening a new chapter of friendship between the two countries. China regards Serbia as its most reliable partner and firmly supports Serbia in speeding up its national development and rejuvenation. China is ready to work with Serbia to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and to look at and plan for bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, so as to continue to consolidate the already indestructible friendship and push bilateral cooperation to a higher level.

Selakovic said that the pandemic didn't block the exchanges and cooperation between Serbia and China. The joint efforts in the fight against the pandemic have brought the hearts of the two peoples even closer. Serbia is proud of the ironclad Serbia-China friendship, and firmly believes that under the far-sighted leadership of the two heads of state, bilateral relations will continue to achieve new progress. Serbia is willing to work with China through in-depth communication in order to expand all-dimensional cooperation and push bilateral relations to a new height.

Selakovic said, the Global Development Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping is of great significance. Serbia highly values and fully supports it. Serbia is full of confidence in a bright future for bilateral relations and the two countries' just cause. Serbia will continue to firmly adhere to the one-China principle and firmly support China's position on issues related to Xinjiang, Xizang, Hong Kong and others.

The two sides agreed to support each other's efforts to protect respective sovereignty, independence and national dignity, enhance communication and coordination on international and regional affairs, jointly and firmly safeguard the principle of non-interference in internal affairs, and advance the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

The two sides agreed to enhance strategic alignment, forge high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, implement major cooperative projects and support Serbia's efforts to operate a research facility on Belt and Road.

The two sides also exchanged views on the cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European Countries and China-EU relations, agreeing that cooperation conforms to the interests of all parties and that it is necessary to enhance communication, deepen mutual trust and strive for new achievements.

Before the talks, the two sides jointly witnessed the signing of a document on the cooperation between the two foreign ministries.