China, Serbia pledge to promote pragmatic cooperation

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic met the press in Belgrade on Wednesday after their talks.

The two sides signed a joint statement on building a China-Serbia community with a shared future in the new era, making Serbia the first European country to build such a community with China.

"It is a strategic choice made by both sides to build a China-Serbia community with a shared future in the new era. Its goal is to realize the aspiration of the two peoples for a better life. Its foundation and driving force come from the firm support and extensive participation of the two peoples," Xi told reporters.

Xi announced six measures to support the initiative, including a free trade agreement between the two countries that will take effect on July 1.

The two sides agreed to promote traditional cooperation in transportation and energy infrastructure and facilitate innovation cooperation as a new growth point in bilateral relations, said Xi.

Both sides will also deepen cooperation in culture, education, sports and tourism and expand personnel exchanges in various fields, he said.

He urged support for each other's core interests and major concerns to consolidate the political foundation of building a China-Serbia community with a shared future in the new era.

"We have witnessed the signing of multiple cooperation documents," Xi said, adding that the two sides will continue to promote pragmatic cooperation.

He said China supports Serbia's right to remain independent and pursue a development path that suits its national condition and supports Serbia's efforts to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity on the Kosovo issue.

Vucic said Serbia will continue to stand with China on all issues concerning China's core interests. Friendship between the two sides will not be interfered with or undermined by any force, he said.