Speed up implementation of China-Serbia Belt and Road MOU: Xi

China and Serbia should speed up implementing the MOU on jointly building the Belt and Road and push forward cooperation on key areas, such as infrastructure construction and energy, President Xi Jinping said while meeting with Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic.

Xi congratulated on Vucic's winning Serbia's presidential election.

China is willing to make joint efforts with Serbia to strengthen the all-weather friendship, deepen cooperation in all areas, and push forward the development of a comprehensive strategic partnership to benefit the people of both sides, Xi said.

The president urged speeding up the connection of the two countries' development strategy under the new situation. The two countries should understand each other's major concerns and enhance communication in international and regional affairs, he said.

China and Serbia should deepen mutual-benefit cooperation and work together on key projects, Xi said.

China supports Serbia to take the lead to establish the China-Central and East European (CEE) countries transportation infrastructure cooperation center, Xi said, adding that China hopes Serbia will play a bigger role in the cooperation of infrastructure, energy, education and people-to-people areas between China and CEE countries.

Calling China a firm friend and reliable partner, Vucic said that Serbia has benefited much from attending the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.

Building the Belt and Road will connect Serbia with China more tightly, he said, adding that the key cooperation projects, including Smederevo Steelworks, have made positive progress.

Also, Serbia upholds the One China policy, Vucic said.

The two countries should deepen cooperation in areas such as economy and trade, minerals, infrastructure, finance, aviation and tourism, he added.