Selaković: We are committed to preserving the traditional friendship between Serbia and China

"Bilateral relations between Serbia and China are not ordinary relations. We are talking about traditionally friendly relations, especially after the visit of President Xi Jinping to Serbia in 2016, because our two nations have become comprehensive strategic partners", Selaković said in a joint interview for CCTV, TV Phoenix, Xinhua and CGTN.

The head of Serbian diplomacy expressed expectation that after his visit to China, bilateral relations between our two countries will be raised to an even higher level.

Selaković stated that the Serbian-Chinese cooperation has made exceptional progress, especially within the "Belt and Road Initiative" which includes connecting Belgrade and Budapest with a fast railway.

"It's not just about Serbia and Hungary, but about connecting Central and Southern Europe. We are grateful for the Belt and Road Initiative, which, as a historically important development initiative, brings together a large number of countries in one grandiose project", said Selaković, adding that this is a successful recipe for multilateral cooperation.

Pointing out that he himself received the Sinopharm vaccine, Selaković reminded that Serbia managed to protect its population with the purchased and donated vaccines, and that Chinese expert help, as well as help in medical equipment and materials, were valuable to Serbia in the fight against the epidemic.

On this occasion, Minister Selaković pointed out that for Serbia, the issue of vaccines is not a geostrategic issue, but an issue of humanity and health care.

"It is, after all, an example given by your country. You have offered vaccines to various countries, and they have accepted your offer. By doing so, you have shown everyone else that donating vaccines is not a matter of geopolitics, but saving lives", Selaković said.

Referring to the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party of China, which is being marked this year, Selaković pointed out that the Chinese leadership initiated a great transformation of society and that it successfully eradicated poverty, which deserves great congratulations.

"You should be proud for having wise leaders who have taken strategic steps towards the historical transformation of your great country. Without the Communist Party of China, I don't know how those achievements would be possible", Selaković said, adding that for the Serbian Progressive Party, ties with the Communist Party of China are of great importance.

"Serbia is on its way to becoming a full member of the EU, but Serbia is determined to preserve the traditional friendship with the People's Republic of China and the Communist Party of China", Selaković said.