The Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia Maja Gojkovic met today with the Vice Chairman of the National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China Ji Bingxuan, and expressed Serbia's appreciation of the National People's Congress Vice Chairman's coming to the reception in honour of Aleksandar Vucic taking the office of President of Serbia, which testifies to the importance China gives its cooperation with Serbia and the friendly relations between the two countries.
The officials noted that Serbia and China are building a comprehensive strategic partnership and that their relations are characterized by mutual trust and support in issues of importance for both states.
Gojkovic and Bingxuan agreed that cooperation between the legislative institutions plays an important role in deepening the two countries' strategic partnership. In that context, Gojkovic opined that the coming visit of the Chairman of the National People's Congress Zhang Dejiang to Serbia would be an excellent opportunity to expand interparliamentary relations, as well as economic cooperation and trade, and further cultural relations.
The National Assembly Speaker thanked China for not recognizing the unilaterally declared independence of Kosovo-Metohija and respecting Serbia's territorial integrity and sovereignty, as well as its support of Serbia in international forums. At the same time, the National Assembly Speaker reaffirmed Serbia's support of the One China policy.
The Vice Chairman of the National People's Congress said that the Government and the people of China would continue to consistently support Serbia on all central issues, including that of Kosovo-Metohija. In addition, he stressed that the People's Republic of China fully supports Serbia's dedication to EU membership, and is secure in the belief that by its accession China would gain one more important and reliable friend in the organization.
Gojkovic and Bingxuan remarked on the exceptional progress of economic and trade cooperation, especially as regards infrastructural projects. The Vice Chairman of the National People's Congress said that Serbia plays one of the most important roles in the One Belt, One Road initiative and the 16+1 format - China and central and eastern European countries, which, he believes would expedite Serbia's economic development. He stressed that the agreed and realized projects are just an introduction to the two countries' more intensive economic cooperation.
Bingxuan stressed that China would continue to encourage investors to visit Serbia, noting that in a challenging international situation Serbia has managed to maintain political and social stability and achieve considerable economic development.
