Serbia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Internal Affairs, Ivica Dačić, has stated that Serbia will continue its joint projects with China, as well as cooperation in combating transnational crime.
Speaking at a Global Forum on Public Security Cooperation held in Lianjungang, Dačić said that Serbia is working to enhance international cooperation and create a safe environment for its citizens and economic matters. “Serbia and China are linked by mutual trust on high strategic interest issues for both countries,” Dačić said.
The Serbian government cited Dačić as saying that the conference in China is a signal that China is ready to take on a leading global role in the field of security.
“We are committed to contributing fully to the stability of the region and the world. We want to be part of the solution and participate in solidarity.”
Strengthening Serbia-China Ties Since Vučić’s Rise to Power
Serbia has strengthened its ties with China since President Aleksandar Vučić came to power.
Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Belgrade in May, marking the 25th anniversary of NATO’s bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade, thus making it his second visit in 10 years.
China and Serbia, a candidate country for European Union membership for over a decade, signed a strategic partnership declaration in 2016.
Seven years later, Beijing and Belgrade signed a free trade agreement.
In recent years, China has made numerous investments in Serbia. Among other things, China built the Pupin Bridge in Belgrade as part of an international highway and also reconstructed a thermal power plant in Serbia.
