Serbian-Chinese friendship will last forever

BELGRADE - Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic expressed his gratitude on Thursday to Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang on his efforts to ensure stability of the region of Southeastern Europe and his support to Serbia's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

China and Serbia are bonded together by strong historical ties, and the Third Meeting of Heads of Government of China and 16 Central and Eastern European countries is a guarantee that these ties will remain firm in the future. The two countries have much in common and the two nations are closely connected by their desire for freedom and peace, which many have disputed, said Nikolic.

Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang said that his country is committed to peace and stability across the world, the Serbian president's press office said in a release.

The relations between countries should be based on mutual respect and equality, and every person is entitled to live in freedom and prosperity, the Chinese prime minister said.

He stressed that China supports the territorial integrity of Serbia, and added that his visit is aimed to promote friendship, cooperation, and joint investment in production, so that quality products could be exported to third country markets.

Serbia has significant geographical position, and its economic progress will contribute to the peace and stability in the region, said Li, adding that China will be an active participant in the process.

Prime Minister Li said that he fondly remembers the Serbian president's successful visit to China.

Nikolic noted that the plans discussed during his visit to Beijing are now coming to fruition, and added that Serbia is preparing to mark the upcoming jubilee of 60 years of diplomatic...