In a reception marking the successful completion of the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation and his own appointment in Serbia, Chinese Ambassador Li Ming remarked on the profound spiritual bond shared by China and Serbia.
Drawing parallels between the two nations, he said, “Both our peoples, united by an indomitable spirit, have shown the courage to champion their independence, uphold justice, and pursue fairness. Such shared values naturally make us steadfast friends and allies.”
The reception, a prestigious affair, saw attendance from various members of the Serbian government and the diplomatic corps, including the ambassadors from Russia and the US, Aleksandar Bocan-Harčenko and Christopher Hill, respectively.
Ambassador Li, speaking eloquently, emphasised the prospect of deepening ties in diverse areas such as culture, sports, and tourism, hinting at a brighter future for Sino-Serbian relations. “As we march forward, shoulder to shoulder, and combine our collective efforts, the fruits of our mutually beneficial collaboration will continually blossom on Serbian soil, leaving an everlasting impression on the hearts of our people,” he expressed.
During his visits to various Serbian cities, the ambassador noted the dynamic infrastructure developments, urban growth, prevailing positive vibes, and an evergreen tradition of friendship between the two nations. He highlighted the Free Trade Agreement as a window of opportunity to boost bilateral investment and trade, opining, “Quality specialities like apples, wine, honey, and veal stand a promising chance to find their place in the vast Chinese market.”
Furthermore, Li expressed Beijing’s appreciation for Serbia’s adherence to the “One China” policy and understanding of China’s pivotal concerns and interests. He urged for a strengthened alignment of development strategies and for elevating practical cooperation. “While we solidify our achievements in infrastructure development, we must continue to explore new growth avenues in areas such as digital economy, science and technology, and green energy, harnessing our complementary strengths,” Ambassador Li concluded with a visionary tone.