Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announced that he will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on September 3. The Serbian head of state described the Chinese leader as a “great friend and brother,” emphasizing the personal and political ties that underlie the so-called “steel friendship” between Belgrade and Beijing.

His remarks came during a visit to the construction works of the Danube Corridor, an infrastructure project implemented with the help of Chinese companies. Through the Chinese ambassador to Belgrade, Li Ming, Vucic sent personal greetings to Xi and stressed that he was looking forward to the upcoming meeting in the Chinese capital, Politika reported.

"Please convey my warmest regards to President Xi and tell him that I look forward to our meeting on September 3," Vučić said, once again emphasizing the importance of China as one of Serbia's key foreign policy and economic partners.

He also recalled a previous meeting with Xi Jinping in Moscow, where the Chinese leader offered him a choice as a gesture of friendship. "If possible, a factory," Vučić replied at the time.

The upcoming meeting in Beijing is another step towards strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between Serbia and China.

Ambassador Li Ming confirmed that China will accelerate the implementation of joint projects in Serbia as further proof of Belgrade's strategic location on the Silk Road, in the heart of the Balkans. | BGNES