Ahead of President Xi Jinping's visit to Serbia, Serbian president Tomislav Nikolic spoke to CCTV. He said the long-awaited visit of the Chinese president will start a new chapter of traditional friendship and offer the chance of further economic cooperation.
"During President Xi's visit to Belgrade, we will sign agreements on building a comprehensive strategic partnership. It is very encouraging and it is an honor. We are proud that China values such a small country like Serbia," Nikolic said.
"It will be a stimulant to bilateral relations. I am looking for further cooperation. Other than investment, building bridges and highways, we should also start building factories, like the Smederevo steel plant, and produce goods for Europe and even the whole world."
Nikolic emphasized the decades-old friendship between Serbia and China, saying friendly bilateral relations are important to both countries. Serbia and China signed a joint declaration on strategic partnership in 2009, but Nikolic added he is hoping to promote relations to a new level. He said he was also keen for both countries to enhance cooperation in arts, culture and science and technology.
