China, Serbia pledge deeper security cooperation during Vucic visit

China and Serbia have agreed to deepen security and economic cooperation, with leaders of the two countries praising their “ironclad friendship” during Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic’s first state visit to Beijing.

In a joint statement issued on May 25, the two sides said they would expand cooperation in counterterrorism efforts, preventing so-called colour revolutions, and strengthening security for major events and projects linked to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, South China Morning Post reports. 

“Both sides will continue to conduct joint police patrols, joint training and drills for special forces and collectively enhance their operational capabilities in law enforcement and security,” the statement said, according to Chinese state news agency Xinhua.

During talks at the Great Hall of the People, Chinese President Xi Jinping described ties between the two countries as an “ironclad friendship” rooted in history and reality.

“Both sides should continue to firmly support each other,” Xi said, according to Xinhua.

“In the face of a complex and volatile international situation, China and Serbia should continue to strengthen coordination and cooperation in international affairs, practise genuine multilateralism, and make unremitting efforts to promote an equitable and orderly multipolar world,” he added.

The two countries also signed more than 20 agreements covering cooperation in politics, trade, technology, education, cultural exchanges and artificial intelligence.

By Sabina Mammadli