Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said Monday that friendship and partnership with China are of vital importance to Serbia, expressing appreciation for China's contributions to the country's economic development through investment, infrastructure construction and cooperation in new technologies.

Vucic made the remarks in a social media post during his ongoing state visit to China. He said that cooperation with China has helped revive many factories, mines, highways and railways in Serbia while bringing confidence and a sense of security to local people.

Describing the visit as historic, Vucic said it would have far-reaching significance for Serbia, its people and the country's national interests.

The Serbian president also expressed gratitude to Chinese President Xi Jinping for promoting bilateral ties, treating Serbia with sincerity and offering firm support at crucial moments for the Serbian people and the country.

Vucic said thanks to Xi's vision and the mutual trust established between the two heads of state, relations between Serbia and China have reached their highest level in history.

He also reiterated Serbia's firm support for the one-China principle and said the Belt and Road Initiative has made valuable contributions to enhancing connectivity, promoting more balanced development and safeguarding global stability.

Vucic added that he believes the two sides will continue to strengthen political, economic and cultural ties on the basis of mutual respect and sincere understanding between the two peoples.