Serbian PM eyes deeper economic and academic cooperation with China

Serbia and China can look forward to expanding collaboration in various fields, such as economic relations and trade, and enhanced exchanges between the universities of the two countries, Serbian Prime Minister Djuro Macut said while visiting Shanghai Jiao Tong University on Tuesday.

"Economic relations and trade are important aspects of bilateral cooperation, and that's why we are here, trying to explore possibilities," said Macut, who also attended the opening ceremony of the eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai on Wednesday.

Macut noted that bilateral cooperation should also address softer issues, such as sourcing and markets, with the two sides also discussing specific academic matters, as well as tourism, he said, adding that universities from the two countries can establish new agreements and shared visions.

Speaking to students and faculty, Macut emphasized, "We can present ourselves in different ways and introduce to the people of your country what might be of interest, such as artificial intelligence. There will be numerous opportunities for cooperation, and I look forward to seeing the results."

Highlighting the growing strength of China-Serbia ties, Macut named the relationship "strong and evolving", and said it is of great significance to both nations, especially for the people of Serbia.

"Looking at the bigger picture, in such a large and diverse world with different regulations, cultures, and development directions, we can see that recently, not only the people-to-people exchanges but also all other social and economic relations between Serbia and China are excellent," he said.

He proudly noted Serbia's great pride in becoming China's first comprehensive strategic partner in Central and Eastern Europe in 2016. "With this trend, we are becoming China's first choice partner and China's top priority partner for development."

He stressed that Serbia and China will be working together to pursue the common goal of maintaining peace.