Speaking of the priorities of Serbia’s foreign policy, Prof. Dr Zarko Obradovic said that in addition to EU accession and cooperation with the states in the region, they also include the maintenance of the traditionally friendly relations with the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China. The territory of the Balkans and Serbia has always been a matter of interest for big powers and continues to be so today, said Obradovic, adding that Serbia’s military neutrality and willingness to cooperate with the states in the region makes it the key state and centre of stability of the Western Balkans.

The relationship between Serbia and China was estimated to be one of general strategic partnership as evidenced by the exchange of high-level visits, economic cooperation and Chinese companies’ investment into Serbia. The host and guests agreed that cooperation in the fields of infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and especially education could be improved. They also discussed options to boost cooperation and research in the field of social sciences.

The meeting with the Chinese delegation was also attended by Prof. Dr Zoran Dragisic, deputy member of the Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman and member of the PFG with China, and Darko Trifunovic, professor of the Faculty of Security Studies.