Gasic, Chinese ambassador discuss bilateral cooperation

BELGRADE - Serbian Defence Minister Bratislav Gasic met with Chinese Ambassador to Belgrade Li Ming on Thursday to discuss bilateral cooperation.

Gasic said Serbia was exceptionally appreciative of the support provided to it by China and that the personal relationship between two leaders, Presidents Aleksandar Vucic and Xi Jinping, left a special mark on the traditionally friendly relations, as confirmed by their mutual visits and discussions, the Serbian MoD said in a statement.

Gasic expressed the confidence 2026 would see the implementation of agreements from meetings held during a visit to China by an MoD-Serbian Armed Forces delegation, as well as a continuation of a positive practice of joint training and activities by the Serbian and Chinese armies.

Gasic thanked China for providing international support to Serbia regarding the status of Kosovo-Metohija, in the context of a unilateral declaration of independence of a part of Serbian territory, which he noted was contrary to international law, agreements and UNSC 1244.

Li thanked Gasic for the opportunity to discuss the significance of defence cooperation between the two countries, and noted the importance of advancement of cooperation at all levels of mutual interest, the statement said.