Xi Jinping hails traditional friendship with Serbia, looks for cooperation with 'stronger momentum'

Hailing China's traditional friendship with Serbia, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday that he hopes cooperation with the European country can develop with "stronger momentum."

Xi made the remarks in a written speech upon his arrival in Serbian capital Belgrade, the second leg of his European tour. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic welcomed him at the airport.

"Since the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership in 2016, the bilateral relationship has realized leapfrog development, and achieved historic results," Xi said, speaking highly of the "rock-solid political mutual trust" and the fruitful results yielded in high quality Belt and Road cooperation between the two sides.

People-to-people exchanges have also advanced during the years, with a comprehensive mutual visa exemption reached, direct flights opened and a free-trade agreement signed.

"Our ironclad friendship has taken deeper roots in the heart of the two peoples," Xi noted, highlighting that cooperation between the two countries is rooted in the principle of equality and mutual benefit.

Looking into the future, the Chinese president said China will work with Serbia to jointly stay committed to the original aspiration and forge ahead together to open up a new vista in China-Serbia cooperation with stronger momentum, greater scope and higher quality.

"I look forward to taking this visit as an opportunity to have in-depth exchange of views with President Vucic on the bilateral relationship and other issues of mutual interest, renew friendship, plan for cooperation, explore development, and draw up a new blueprint for the development of bilateral relations," he said in the speech.

"I am confident that this visit will be a fruitful one and will open up a new chapter in China-Serbia relations," Xi said.