Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Selakovic said on July 30 that Serbia is proud of its excellent relationship with China, common strategic partnership and friendly relations between the two countries.
At a meeting with Chinese Ambassador Chen Bo, Selakovic said Serbia is committed to advancing and strengthening political ties through meetings at the highest level and consolidating cooperation with China in all forms.
Minister Selakovic welcomed the opening of a direct flight between Belgrade and Beijing by Chinese carrier Hainan Airlines. He added that he expects Air Serbia to establish a direct flight connection between the two countries as soon as possible.
The Foreign Minister once again thanked China for supporting Serbian positions on Kosovo. He reiterated Serbia’s support for the “one China” policy and the “one country, two systems” principle in Hong Kong and for China’s fight against separatism.
Serbia has been trying for some time to establish itself as a close partner of China. As recently as February, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić emphasized the “iron friendship” between the two countries and stressed China’s role model character.
Serbia is not only relying on intensified cooperation as part of the multi-billion dollar Chinese global infrastructure initiative ‘Belt and Road’, but also recently concluded an arms deal with the middle country.
Amid the Ukraine war, China shipped defense systems to Serbia in early April – much to the dismay of the US and EU, which fear conflicts in the region could flare up again.
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