Macut meets with Chinese PM

SHANGHAI - Serbian PM Djuro Macut met on Tuesday in Shanghai with Chinese PM Li Qiang, noting that Serbia-China relations were based on friendship and trust.

Macut and Li discussed bilateral cooperation and the China International Import Expo, to also feature Serbia.

Macut said it was an honour and a pleasure for him to be visiting Shanghai for the first time and noted that, for decades, the two countries maintained friendly relations based on mutual trust.

"The friendship between President Aleksandar Vucic and President Xi Jinping has enabled the relations between the two countries to evolve into strong and stable relations, especially in the past ten years. Xi has visited Serbia, and significant documents and agreements between the two countries were signed at the time, and President Vucic recently attended commemorations of the victory over fascism. Shanghai is the city where the (Chinese) Communist Party was founded, but also a major global trade and financial hub," Macut said.

He noted that Serbia was honoured to be participating in the Shanghai Expo again.

"I am exceptionally pleased to also convey to you President Vucic's greetings and an invitation to visit Serbia," Macut said.

Li said he was pleased to have met with Macut as he was on his first visit to China since assuming the office of PM.

"We appreciate your efforts to advance the relations with China," he said.

Li noted that China wanted to boost its relations and cooperation with Serbia for the benefit of both peoples and in the interest of both countries.