Hollywood actor Jackie Chan visited Belgrade on Monday to meet Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić after being named brand ambassador for the EXPO 2027 specialised exhibition, which will be hosted in the Serbian capital.
Chan, who previously served as ambassador for the Shanghai EXPO in 2010, will represent the first specialised EXPO to be held in the Western Balkans. Vučić posted a photo from their meeting on Instagram.
“Belgrade in 2027 will be a meeting place of East and West,” Chan was quoted as saying by local media. He also described martial arts as carrying the rhythm of music and film, reflecting “the spirit of culture.”
Weekly magazine Vreme reported that the cost of Chan’s engagement has not been disclosed. Similar ambassador roles have ranged from $250,000 to $750,000, according to available estimates.
Chan, a UNICEF ambassador since 2004, has long been involved in global campaigns on child protection, health and the environment. In recent years, he has also voiced support for China’s Communist Party and President Xi Jinping.
Serbia has said it hopes Chan’s appointment will help attract more Chinese visitors to EXPO 2027. In June, Olympic sprint champion Usain Bolt was also named an ambassador for the event.