BEIJING, May 26 — Chinese President Xi Jinping and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić praised the “iron friendship” between their countries during talks in Beijing, pledging to expand cooperation in transport, energy, technology, education and people-to-people exchanges.
Vučić is on his first state visit to China from May 24 to 28, after several previous visits linked to international events.
Xi said China and Serbia had opened a new chapter in building a community with a shared future since his 2024 state visit to Serbia, calling the relationship a model for ties between states.
Xi said China supported Serbia’s development path based on its national conditions and was ready to strengthen exchanges on governance experience.
During the visit, Xi awarded Vučić the Order of Friendship, the highest honorary medal China gives to foreign citizens.
Xi said the award recognized Vučić’s contribution to China-Serbia friendship and reflected the expectations of both peoples for deeper cooperation in a new era.
According to Chinese state news agency Xinhua, Xi said Vučić had always given China firm and clear support on issues involving Beijing’s core interests.
Vučić described the award as one of the most important moments of his life, saying it was not only a personal honor but also recognition of Serbia’s pursuit of sovereignty, independence and development.
Vučić said Serbia would never forget China’s support and assistance and would continue working with Beijing to build a shared future.
Xi said the two countries should better align their development strategies, implement a medium-term action plan under the Belt and Road Initiative and strengthen cooperation in transport and energy infrastructure.
He also called for broader cooperation in artificial intelligence, the digital economy, green energy and advanced manufacturing.
Xi said both sides should use visa-free travel, their free trade agreement and direct flights to expand cooperation in culture, education, sports, tourism and regional exchanges.
Vučić thanked Chinese companies for their contribution to Serbia’s development and said Belgrade wanted deeper high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.
After the talks, the two leaders oversaw the signing of more than 20 cooperation documents covering politics, economy, trade, science, technology, education, justice and culture.
The two sides also issued joint statements on advancing the China-Serbia community with a shared future and promoting four Chinese global initiatives on development, security, civilization and governance.
Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan hosted a welcome ceremony and banquet for Vučić and his wife Tamara Vučić at the Great Hall of the People.
The visit comes as Serbia continues to balance its formal European Union path with close political and economic ties to China, one of its most important infrastructure and investment partners.