2nd LD: China, Serbia lift relations to comprehensive strategic partnership

China and Serbia agreed Saturday to upgrade their relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership in a show of their shared commitment to further deepening bilateral cooperation for mutual benefit.

"China and Serbia are all-weather friends and important cooperation partners," Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is here for a state visit, said during talks with his Serbian counterpart, Tomislav Nikolic.

"Our two countries enjoy a profound traditional friendship. Our relations have stood the test of time and history and grown even stronger," Xi added.

Xi attributed the robust momentum of bilateral relations to the time-honored friendship between the two peoples, the mutual understanding and support between the two countries on major issues, and their mutual learning and assistance in the pursuit of development.

Noting that bilateral relations now face new opportunities for development, Xi said China country is ready to make joint efforts with Serbia to continue boosting political mutual trust, enhancing mutual understanding, deepening mutually beneficial cooperation, and constantly expanding the platform for bilateral collaboration.

Nikolic, for his part, said that the Serbian people cherish the sincere friendship with the Chinese people, and that the two countries have maintained a high level of mutual trust, carried out extensive and reciprocal cooperation, and shared similar positions on major international issues.

The Serbian people are glad to see the achievements China has made in economic and social development, the improvement of the Chinese people's living standard, and the growing influence of justice-upholding China in international affairs, he said.

Nikolic said he believes that Xi's visit will boost the all-round development of bilateral relations and deepen the all-dimensional cooperation between the two countries.

The two leaders agreed to upgrade the bilateral ties in a bid to inject fresh vigor into the China-Serbia traditional friendship and bring more tangible benefits to the two peoples.

The Chinese president arrived in Belgrade on Friday. From Serbia, he will travel to Poland and Uzbekistan for state visits as well as the 16th meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Council of Heads of State in Tashkent. Endi