On 19 June, a ceremony was held in the Embassy, during which the Professor Ma Xipu was awarded the Gold Medal for his merits in strengthening Serbian-Chinese friendship through the promotion of Serbian history. On behalf of the President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, Ambassador Maja Stefanović presented the award to the Professor Ma.

In his address, Professor Ma expressed gratitude for the award, which is not only a recognition of his academic work, but also of the long-term ties between the two nations. Prof. Ma said the award is a great boost to his research efforts, which, despite his age, he will continue as long as his health allows. He sent his best wishes for the progress of Serbia and the well-being of Serbian people.

Ambassador Maja Stefanović pointed out in her speech that the scientific work of Prof. Ma, which covered topics from Serbia's past and present, contributed to Serbia's visibility in Chinese academic circles and additionally drew attention to issues of our vital concerns globaly.

In addition to the laureate and his wife, the ceremony was attended by the Deputy Director of the Institute of World History of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Mr. Liu Jien, the director of the Institute of Global and Regional Studies of Capital Normal University, Mr. Liang Zhangjien, representatives of the MOFA of China, Beijing University of Foreign Studies, as well as local and national media.

Home and Abroad News Press awarded Ambassador Maja Stefanovic with a title of News Person of the Year in 2023. In explanation of the award, the president of the media company Mrs. Wei Yan said that the Maja Stefanovic was proposed for the award by Chinese media, who promotion of the bilateral cooperation between the two countries in a number of areas attributed to the Ambassador’s contribution.

In her address, Maja Stefanovic expressed her gratitude to the Chinese media for following up on success stories of cooperation between Serbia and China, including the recent high level visits of President Aleksandar Vucic and Prime Minister Ana Brnabic to China, that made Serbia more visible in China's media space, thus emphasized the value of the two countries' strategic relations.

In the same time, she expressed an expectation that cooperation in the field of traditional and new medias between the two countries would continue, as well as mutual visits of journalists.

Among the laureates, there were also Ambassadors of Turkey, Syria, Ethiopia and Georgia. Home and Abroad News Press, a mainstream media in China and an actor of Chinese public and cultural diplomacy, has been working with much dedication over 20 years to strengthen the bridges of media cooperation between China and foreign countries.

At the invitation of the Embassy of United Mexican States to Beijing, Ambassador Maja Stefanovic attended a working lunch in honour of the Mexican Foreign Minister Mrs. Alicia Barcena, during her visit of Beijing.

Selected attendees, who were part of a group of women ambassadors in Beijing, exchanged views with the head of Mexican diplomacy on the development and role of China in the world, as well as on their countries' relations with China.

In conversation with Minister Barcena, Ambassador Stefanovic expressed  her gratitude for Mexican support to Serbia in matters of the highest national interest, conveyed the greetings of the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Ivica Dacic and reiterated an invitation to visit Serbia, that Minister Barcena accepted with pleasure.

Apart from Ambassador Stefanovic, working lunch was attended by women ambassadors of Lebanon, Cyprus, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Slovenia and the Bahamas. Resident representatives of UNDP and UNICEF in Beijing also attended, as well as the Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of the United Kingdom.

On 7th of December 2023, the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia, together with Lookwe, co-hosted 9th Global Diplomats' Chinese Cultural Night Gala. On that occasion, the Secretary-General of the Gala Organizing Committee and the General Manager of Lookwe magazine Mr. Xu Yunzu, reappointed Ambassador H.E. Mrs. Maja Stefanovic as a rotating president of the magazine for the year 2023/2024.

In her welcoming speech, Ambassador Stefanovic emphasized the importance of relations between Serbia and China, that has been intensified through our participation in Belt and Road Initiative, mentioning spirit of cosmopolitanism and openness that the initiative and in its decade-long development continue to cultivate through the cultural exchange between China and the partner countries of the initiative. Giving particular importance to linking countries through culture and arts, she reminded on the fact that Belgrade would host the World Specialized Exhibition EXPO 2027.

Speaking of music, guests were attracted by the performance of instrumentalist Slobodan Trkulja.

Prior to the Gala, guests also had the opportunity to visit the booth of the Serbian Cultural Centre, at which the Director Ms. Tatjana Soldat introduced Serbian culture and history to the visitors. At the same time, an investment forum was also organized, at which Economic Counsellor Ms. Milanka Stojakovic in front of around one hundred of business representatives, as well as representatives of international organizations and institutions, presented investment opportunities in the Republic of Serbia.

The diplomatic gala this year is a traditional event, devoted to international exchange, cultural and investment cooperation, included both the exhibition of China's intangible cultural heritage and the rich artistic program. The Gala was attended by over 400 people from Chinese media and culture circlues, as well as numerous diplomats from more than 170 countries.

Lookwe, co-host of the Gala, is one of the largest non-governmental platforms for public diplomacy in China and has a publishing business, management and event organization for culture and investment promotion in its portfolio.

Photo: Lookwe

At the annual reception for representatives of diplomatic missions in Beijing, organized by the Foreign Office of Beijing Municipality at the National Ice Hall in Beijing and attended by the top officials of Beijing Municipality and other Chinese institutions, Ambassador Maja Stefanovic had brief separate talks with Party chief of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee Mr. Yin Li, Mayor of Beijing Mr. Yin Yong and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Beijing Municipal People's Congress Li Xuiling.

During the meeting with member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Party Secretary of CPC Beijing Municipal Committee Mr.Yin Li, mutual willingness to further strengthen comprehensive strategic partnership between Serbia and China and, in particular, readiness to intensify party cooperation between the two countries has been reaffirmed. To this end, Party Secretary Yin, at our invitation, has expressed his willingness to visit Serbia in a mutually agreed term.

In conversation with Mayor of Beijing Mr. Yin Yong, importance of ties between Belgrade and Beijing, has been mutually emphasized. Two cites established cooperation in 1980, thus making Belgrade the third city in the world, after New York and Tokyo, that has established diplomatic relations with Chinese capital. In order to further enhance the cooperation between the two cities, an invitation was extended to Mayor Yin to visit Belgrade in term acceptable to both sides, that has been accepted with pleasure by Chinese side.

With Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Beijing Municipal People's Congress Mr. Li Xuiling, Maja Stefanovic exchanged views on strengthening cooperation between the city assemblies of Belgrade and Beijing. In this regard, willingness to realize mutual visits of delegations of assemblies of two cities was mutually expressed.

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic visited China from 4-7 November this year. During the official visit, the Prime Minister, heading the Delegation of the Republic of Serbia, participated in the 6th CIIE, where Serbia was Guest Country of Honor. At the China International Import Expo, where Serbia was the guest of honor, Prime Minister Brnabic had separate bilateral meetings with the Premier of the People's Republic of China Li Qiang in Shanghai and President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping.

During her speech at the opening ceremony of the Sixth CIIE in Shanghai, the Prime Minister emphasized the great importance that Serbia attaches to this expo, emphasizing that in the past decade trade between our two countries has grown 186 times thanks to, among other things, the economic policy of openness that China actively advocates and implements.

On 4th November Prime Minister had a bilateral meeting with The Premier of the People's Republic of China Li Qiang in Shanghai. Parties agreed with a high assessment of bilateral relations and expressed their readiness to further deepen comprehensive cooperation. During the meeting, the importance of synergy of the "Serbia 2025" strategy and the Belt and Road Initiative was emphasized, as well as the great potential for cooperation in the field of digital economy, scientific and technological innovation, etc.

During her visit to Beijing, Prime Minister A. Brnabic met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on November 6. During the talks, Xi stressed that Serbia and China are sincere friends, whose friendship has stood the test of time as well as "good partners working for joint development and prosperity." He also pointed out that China is ready to cooperate "side by side" with Serbia to preserve international law and justice, while achieving the joint development of our two countries. Prime Minister Brnabic, during a meeting with President Xi, reiterated the support of the Republic of Serbia to the "one China" principle and stated that our country is ready to further enhance political, economic, but also social, technological, and cultural cooperation with China.

Prime Minister Brnabic's visit to China was closely followed by leading Chinese media, assessing it as very positive, successful and significant, often pointing out that China considers its relationship with Serbia an exemplary model of international relations between China and European countries.

During his stay in Beijing, President Vučić met with the President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping, and had several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the Belt and Road Forum, during which as many as 18 agreements were signed, a large number of which have a strategic character.

Assessing the conversation with the Chinese President as extremely friendly, President Vučić told reporters in Beijing that the one of the topic discussed was Kosovo and Metohija, respect for international legal norms, what Serbia is going through in that regard, as well as the double standards, non-compliance with the UN Charter and Resolution 1244, by certain countries.

"We have come to an understanding of our Chinese friends. We also discussed other things that are needed for us, from cooperation in all areas of economy, economy, military-technical cooperation", said President Vučić, adding that there was also talk about infrastructure connectivity and the increasing number of Chinese investments.

At the first session of the Third Belt and Road Forum, on the topic of "Connectivity in an Open Global Economy", President Vučić said that the topic of the panel reflects the strategic orientation of the concept of development of China as envisioned by President Xi.

"This initiative seeks to encourage closer cooperation between countries and peoples through joint efforts aimed at solving global challenges and the progress of all humanity, with diligent work on creating a global economy through mutual cooperation in order to achieve benefits for all", said President Vučić addressing the attendees.

During his stay in Beijing, President Vučić also had bilateral meetings with the Prime Ministers of Thailand and Laos. He also held long talks with Ethiopian President and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. He also met with Indonesian President Joko Widodo. In addition to these meetings, President Vučić spoke with the Deputy Prime Minister of China and the President of Turkmenistan.

During his visit to Beijing, President Vučić also visited the Chinese Institute for International Studies. During the visit he met with the former Ambassador of China to Serbia and the Director of the Institute Chen Bo.

On November 16, 2023, Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia Maja Stefanovic presented to the President of Mongolia U. Kurelsuk the credential letters by which the President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić accredited her as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Serbia to Mongolia on a non-residential basis, based in Beijing.

In a short conversation amb. Stefanovic and Foreign Minister Batmunk Batsetseg expressed mutual satisfaction with the traditional relations between Serbia and Mongolia and readiness for their further improvement in all areas, with the intensification of dialogue at the high and highest political level.

During her stay in Mongoilia, Ambassador Stefanović also met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Development C. Khurelbaatar, Minister of Mining and Heavy Industry J. Ganbaatar, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia N. Ankhbayar, representatives of the Chamber of Commerce of Mongolia, as well as the representatives of the Directorate for Europe of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia. During the talks, particular emphasis was placed on intensifying economic cooperation, especially in the fields of agriculture, tourism, scientific and technological cooperation, mining, etc.

During the visit to Mongolia Ambassador Stefanovic also met with the representatives of Serbian diaspora in Mongolia.

The Minister of Science, Technological Development and Innovation Dr. Jelena Begović was one of the guests of the World Economic Forum in Tianjin 27-29 June 2023, greeted by Prime Minister of the People's Republic of China Li Qiang at the opening ceremony.

As a participant of the forum panel "The solution is in biology", she said that the Government of the Republic of Serbia has made a decision to develop the bioeconomy and establish a unique biohub in Europe. She said that Serbia, together with the World Economic Forum, opened the Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the third in Europe and the sixteenth in the world. With the help of excellent Serbian scientists, Serbia intends to attract scientists from around the world and become a place for international scientific cooperation and global innovation.

During her stay in Tianjin, Minister Begović also met with Governor of Hebei province, that has a significant role in the development of innovation in today's China. The Minister and the Governor agreed that relations between Serbia and China are at a historic peak. They agreed that business and tourist exchange contributes to the futher improvement of cooperation between the two countries, which will be greatly encouraged by the established direct airtrafic lines. 

The Minister of Science, Technological Development and Innovation in the Government of the Republic of Serbia Jelena Begović on 26 June 2023 visited BGI Group, a leading Chinese company in the field of biotechnology and biomedicine in Tianjin, with which the Government of Serbia has been successfully cooperating for three years.

On that occasion, Begović in a statement for the Tanjug agency pointed out the importance of the assistance that the BGI Group provided to Serbia during the coronavirus pandemic, which was primarily reflected in the donation for the Fire Eye laboratories in Niš and Belgrade, as well as in the establishment of the Center for Genome Sequencing and Bioinformatics. The Center primarily conducts analyzes in the field of healthcare and personalized medicine, and the goal is to provide our citizens with the most modern methods of treatment, diagnosis and prevention of disease occurrence, Minister stated. The development of technology, as she explained, can also give us an answer to the question of what is the best medicine for a given person so that the treatment can be as effective as possible. With the help of markers, that refer to the changes we read in the DNA material, we can, with a certain probability, say that a person has a chance of developing certain disease and so in order we prevent it from occurring.

The Vice President of BGI Group Terence Xiong emphasized that he supports the Serbian national strategy for the development of biotechnology and the IT industry, and confirmed that they are considering the possibility of being the first company in the future BIO4 campus in Serbia, increasing their capacities in Serbia, opening new laboratories and expanding the existing ones. Source: Website of the Government of the Republic of Serbia

On May 16, Ambassador M. Stefanovic participated in the Conference on the purchase of products from CEE countries, which was also attended by the Secretary of the Ningbo Municipal Committee and a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC in Zhejiang Peng Jiaxue, special representative in Secreteriat for cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European Countries at the Ministry of Foregin Affairs of the People's Republic of China Jiang Yu, Director General of the Foreign Trade Development Bureau of the Ministry of Trade of the People's Republic of China Wu Zhengping, as well as representatives of the diplomatic corps and business representatives in the People's Republic of China.

In her address, Ambassador M. Stefanovic pointed out that Serbia is very active in all areas within the China-CEEC cooperation mechanism since the establishment of this format and stressed that we attach great importance to improving cooperation with China, as well as with countries from Central and Eastern Europe. Ambassador praised the efforts of the General Administration of Customs of China in facilitating the import of goods from CEEC, and in particular the launch of the "Green Goods Chanel from CEEC" and the website "One-stop service for imports from CEEC", which are the new initiatives presented at the Fair.

Minister of Internal and Foreign Trade Mr. Tomislav Momirović paid an official visit to the People's Republic of China from April 9-12, during which he met with the Minister of Trade of China Mr. Wang Wentao, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of China Mr. Deng Li, the Mayor of Ningbo Mr. Tang Feifan and representatives of Chinese companies.

At the National pavilion of Serbia as part of the International Art Fair in Nanjing (NAFI 2022), with the support of Telecom of Serbia and the Association for the Development of Art and Culture - Cultcrave, the Chinese public was presented with movies and television series produced by Telecom, as well as short films produced by independent Serbian authors. The opening ceremony was attended by prominent members of the City Committee of the Communist Party of China, representatives of the Nanjing City Government, as well as numerous representatives of the media and prominent figures in the field of culture. Chinese officials in their speach, among other things, emphasized the importance of the participation of the Republic of Serbia in the event, which was also welcomed by the national and local media.

Embassy attache Milan Kuzmanović participated in the opening ceremony. During his speach, he emphasized, among other things, the importance of further development of Serbian-Chinese relations, to which cultural exchange and film art, contribute greatly bearing in mind the popularity of our earlier feature films in China. During the festival the Chinese audience had the opportunity to watch some of the latest Serbian film and television projects such as "Dara from Jasenovac", "Besa", "Golden Boy" etc, in the projection hall within the pavilion.

Your Excellency, esteemed Ambassador, Ms. Chen,

Dear participants of the Symposium,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Today, as we mark the tenth anniversary of the mechanism of Cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European Countries, we are particularly proud that Serbia is hosting the Think Tanks Symposium for the first time. Simultaneously, the Institute of International Politics and Economics, one of the co-organizers of today's event, is celebrating 75 years of successful work. All of this indicates that we have plenty of reasons to be pleased, but we also feel obliged to show you in this way as well, albeit online, why Belgrade is one of the centers of Europe.

Less than a month has passed since the 20th Congress of the Communist Party of China, and it is with great pleasure that I take this opportunity to extend my most sincere congratulations to the President of the People's Republic of China, Mr. Xi Jinping, on his re-election as General Secretary. The guidelines and conclusions of this year's Congress of the Communist Party are important not only for the further development and progress of China, but also for the preservation of global peace, security and stability.

 Dear colleagues and friends,

Since its establishment, the China-CEEC mechanism has strived to become a comprehensive platform that further encourages and complements all aspects of our extensive cooperation. The success achieved so far is best reflected in the fact that the volume of trade in goods between China and CEE countries has grown significantly in the past ten years, by as much as 142.6%, reaching a figure of 136.2 billion dollars in 2021. Furthermore, it is important to point out the increase in the exports of agricultural products from the CEE countries to China by as much as 1.5 percent.

Serbia views the strengthening of infrastructure as one of the priorities of its overall activities. The construction of roads is one of the prerequisites for the essential connectivity among peoples while the establishment of strong ties in the region and beyond is undoubtedly the vision around which Serbia builds its peacetime policy. Therefore, cooperation within the China-CEEC mechanism brought us the development and launch of a whole series of infrastructure projects, the importance of which is long-term and strategic. We are proud to have achieved numerous results together of which I single out the most current ones such as the launch of the Serbian-Chinese air route, putting into operation the Belgrade-Novi Sad section of the Belgrade-Budapest railway and the construction of the "Belgrade Bypass" by the Power Construction Corporation of China. The successful business operation of Chinese companies in Serbia makes me optimistic about the arrival of new large Chinese investments, and I look forward with particular pleasure to the further expansion of our cooperation to the mutual satisfaction.

In the coming period, we will make additional joint efforts with the aim of further intensifying cooperation within the China-CEEC format, which has proven to be outstanding for the preservation of old and the development of new forms of cooperation. We are very pleased with the announcement of the meeting of China-CEEC national coordinators to take place at the beginning of December 2022, and we expect the China-CEEC Leaders' Summit to take place soon. In this context, we support Hungary's proposal to host the meeting, because we consider it extremely valuable that dynamic events in the world are accompanied by active and lively formats of cooperation that encourage mutual connectivity through concrete and useful forms of cooperation.

Serbia wishes to continue improving and strengthening its cooperation with the People's Republic of China, which it considers a reliable partner, a sincere friend and one of the most influential political and economic factors in today's world. The iron-clad friendship between Serbia and China is best evidenced by the relationship between the two presidents which exudes trust and understanding. In the best belief that today's gathering will contribute to further comprehensive, successful and multi-faceted cooperation within the China-CEEC format, I wish all participants of the Symposium successful endeavor.

Thank you.

Mr. President,

Madam Special Representative,

Ladies and gentleman,

It gives me honor to address this distinguished body once again and to discuss the latest report of the Secretary-General on the work of the UNMIK.

I would like to thank the Secretary-General and the Special Representative for submitting the report. We take note of the efforts that Ms. Ziadeh makes in performing this very responsible duty, especially bearing in mind the necessity of a comprehensive overview and the complexity of the situation on the ground.

I also take this opportunity to underline that the Republic of Serbia highly values the activities of UNMIK in Kosovo and Metohija, established under UN Security Council Resolution 1244. We advocate for its continued operation in an unchanged and undiminished scope and capacity, especially bearing in mind that the Mission has not yet achieved the main goal of its mandate - a peaceful and normal life for all citizens of our southern province.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Unfortunately, the last few months have not brought more stability in Kosovo and Metohija and the situation in the Province is not exactly as presented in the report. Unilateral moves of Pristina continue to consciously and systematically deepen ethnic differences, causing discrimination against the non-Albanian population. To our knowledge, 105 ethnically motivated attacks have been recorded since the beginning of this year. In addition, Pristina is actively working on administrative and bureaucratic obstacles, by taking measures that were not agreed upon in the dialogue as the basic mechanism for negotiations and reaching solutions between Belgrade and Pristina. Pristina’s approach is problematic in many ways. This irresponsible conduct of Pristina is consciously sabotaging the efforts not only of Belgrade, but also of the EU and other involved parties of the international community, with the clear intention of achieving two goals - the first being to avoid the implementation of assumed commitments. The second, the ultimate and far more alarming goal is the intimidation, marginalization and persecution of Serbs.

In all previous statements before this this distinguished body, Pristina focused on what happened in the past while failing to mention, which is painful to witness, how non-Albanians in Kosovo and Metohija live today. Serbs are still intimidated in different ways, forced to leave their homes, villages and cities. Those displaced are discouraged from returning to where they were born and lived their lives. The provisional institutions work systematically to remove and erase as much as possible of the cultural and national diversity that is left. At the same time, Pristina is consciously fueling inter-ethnic tensions using all available methods.

Attending religious celebrations seems to be a crime in Kosovo and Methohija. It is the case of Nikola Nedeljković who was arrested for allegedly "inciting ethnic hatred and intolerance", but actually his imprisonment was for attending the St. Vitus Day (Vidovdan) celebration.

Nikola was sentenced to eight months in prison without any material evidence. On the other hand, let me remind you that even to this day there is not a single perpetrator held legally accountable for the more than 1,000 Serbs killed since 1999. Due to planned intimidation, almost all towns and villages in Kosovo and Metohija are ethnically cleansed. Representatives of Pristina are ignoring the suffering, insulting the open wounds of the Serbs who had to leave their ancestral homes, and I underline, there are more than 200,000 of them. Such conduct has not change for last 23 years and is in complete opposite to the democratic values and principles that the provisional institutions of self-government often promote in their statements.

Therefore, I consider it necessary to emphasize that the true political will of the involved international actors and Pristina is necessary in order to create the conditions for the beginning of the end of discrimination on a national basis and common life in the Province. Esteemed members of the Security Council, I would like to draw your attention to the rigid, problematic and extremely irresponsible conduct of the other negotiating party within the dialogue. In achieving the above-mentioned goals, Pristina applies the so-called policy of reciprocity, a well-thought-out, malicious strategy that, unfortunately, was not constructed independently. By continuously insisting on mutual recognition as a central part of the dialogue, the so-called policy of reciprocity demonstrates the essential unwillingness of the current political leadership of Pristina to find any compromise solution. Let me remind you that the talks between Belgrade and Pristina did not start with last elections in Pristina, but have been in progress for 11 years since the technical dialogue started (8 March 2011). Therefore, we assess as inadmissible attempts to disregard the current format of the dialogue, and annul the agreements only because they are not to the liking of the current political factors. It is unacceptable that the current geopolitical circumstances are being used to simply erase what has been painstakingly worked on for years. Belgrade, I underline, was institutionally involved in the dialogue from the very beginning, while the commitment of the other side has varied and continues to vary depending on the political option that is in power.

The harsher political rhetoric and narrative of the current leadership of the provisional institutions of self-government in Pristina are accompanied by concrete destabilizing steps. In the reporting period, measures on license plates were imposed, disguised as attempts at alleged integration into society. Let me remind you again, there was no agreement on such measures in the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina.

I believe, ladies and gentlemen, that even today we will hear from the representative of Pristina that their side has fulfilled all obligations, but the decision on re-registration of license plates shows that Pristina is not only failing to fulfill what has been agreed upon, but it nullifies the results of the dialogue, creating a new crisis all over again. The effect of such forcibly imposed measures is best illustrated by the fact that since the decision was made a single-digit number of re-registered vehicles with Serbian license plates has been recorded, of which only two are Serbs from the north of Kosovo and Metohija. This is another indicator that Pristina does not enjoy full support, but that, on the other hand, it continuously provokes the natural reaction of the Serbian population, which cannot endlessly be subject to the arbitrariness of temporary institutions. I believe that even today we will hear already known narrative of representatives from Pristina who try to present every reaction of the Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija as an activity organized by Belgrade in alleged attempts at destabilization. Such claims are simply not true. Serbia, for its part, cannot in any way contain the revolt present among the non-Albanian population of Kosovo and Metohija. It is an undeniable fact that citizens' protests represent a voice against many years of institutional violence and the deprivation of rights of the non-Albanian population, which, in this case, is denied the right to peaceful enjoyment of private property acquired in a legal manner. Pristina does not cease in its attempts to confiscate property, and, as is well-known, one of the targets is the Serbian Orthodox Church. By calling into question the return of property to the Dečani Monaster Pristina paradoxically does not execute the decisions of its own so-called Constitutional Court.

Ladies and gentlemen,

I thought for a long time how to best illustrate the true picture of everyday life of the non-Albanian population in Kosovo and Metohija. I will mention only some of the facts. Numerous ethnically motivated incidents, hate speech, intimidation, violations of the right to a fair trial, threats to the right to freedom of movement and religious rights, desecration of churches and graves were recorded in the last reporting period as well. The frequent attacks on the sites of the Serbian Orthodox Church are also unacceptable, and especially the humiliating attitude towards the Serbian cultural and spiritual heritage, including the 4 monuments that have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Numerous administrative and technical barriers are imposed on priests and monastic communities, making it difficult and even impossible for them to survive on church properties.

When it comes to civil rights, try to imagine that the basic political and civil right to vote has been taken away from you.

This is precisely what the Serbs in the Province have experienced along with frequent intimidation and violent incursions of the ROSU special forces, which are an instrument for the implementation of Pristina's goals under the pretext of allegedly fighting crime.

In December last year Bratislav Nikolić the president of municipality of Štrpce has been detained, as suspected of the organized crime and corruption - still not charged, kept in detention unit in Podujevo, only for the reason to make additional and final pressure on the Serbian community living in the enclave of Štrpce. How can this be justified as the fight against crime when special forces are used to raid village festivals, schools and kidnap drivers of ambulance transporting infusion containers and medicines? What are the motives behind and how can one rationalize these actions? Just try to imagine and put yourself in the shoes of Ms. Dragica Gašić, the only Serbian returnee in Djakovica. Imagine that you are still not allowed to buy bread because of your origin and nationality, because you live in a municipality that the local Albanians proudly consider forbidden to non-Albanians. Imagine that as many as eleven Albanian civil society organizations demand your expulsion, as well as a ban on any non-Albanian ever returning to that town. Then you will realize the level of intimidation that Serb returnees are facing. It will be clear to you why the percentage of returnees is below 2% and why it is still one of the lowest in the world. Let me pose a question - are these the characteristics of a society that presents itself to the world as a fully fledged democracy and a factor of stability in the region?

We are aware that the dialogue has a wider dimension and that it can affect the situation in the entire region.

This is reflected in every statement given by Serbian officials, including the President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić. "It is better to negotiate for a hundred years than to fight for a day" are the words of our President that best describe the policy of peace, reconciliation, and regional cooperation pursued by the Serbian leadership, which is guided by the vision of building a common and prosperous future of the Balkans.

I believe that it is a duty of today's leaders to create a clear common vision for the future generations. Such a vision was shown by the leaders of Belgrade, Skoplje and Tirana by creating Open Balkan, an initiative from the region for the region, which is already producing concrete results. Serbia has on several occasions reached out to Pristina inviting it to join this initiative. We counted on an awareness of the importance of economic connectivity and progress for the benefit of the citizens of the entire Balkans. However, our invitation was not met with understating from the other side.

Ladies and gentlemen,

We categorically reject Pristina's argumentation regarding the alleged unconstitutionality of the formation of the Community of Serb Municipalities. It is clear that Pristina's attitude towards this obligation reflects its attitude towards the Serbian people in the Province. It also indicates that Pristina is against Serbian people being organized as an ethnic community and thus exercising their collective rights. The aim of their approach, as a preferred model, is a community without Serbs, such as those in Pristina, Djakovica or Pec, or some similar localities in the Province. For our side, it is unacceptable that Pristina has refused to fulfil its obligations and discuss the formation of the Community of Serb Municipalities for as much as 3,470 days but I assure you that, regardless of this fact, Serbia will not give up on its efforts to find a compromise solution for the current situation.

I will remind you that the representatives of Pristina, although they often repeat in their statements that the case of the so-called Kosovo is a fait accompli, continue not to be recognized by the majority of UN member states for 14 years now. If the so-called Kosovo's independence is a reality, how come that we have the dialogue? And how come that Belgrade is faced with increasing pressures as regards the need for mutual recognition? What the current political leadership of Pristina refuses to accept is that Belgrade cannot be left out in the search for a final solution. The same also applies to the case of the increasingly frequent indications about Pristina's upcoming membership in international organizations. Will these moves help to create the necessary atmosphere for dialogue? Are we, in this way, rewarding Pristina's destructive behaviour and refusal of dialogue? Our view is that the attempts of the so-called Kosovo to join international organizations are an unacceptable act and Serbia will work decisively against such steps.

During the last session in April this year, we could hear the calls of some members of the UN Security Council to reduce and even terminate UNMIK, with the explanation that Pristina has its own functional institutions. However, the circumstances I have presented to you and the situation on the ground remind us again that international presence in our southern province is still necessary. In this regard, we support the efforts made by UNMIK, KFOR, EULEX and OMIK within their mandates. The Serbian and other non-Albanian population in Kosovo and Metohija has the highest confidence in the international presence and considers it a guarantor of security, which additionally confirms that international missions need to remain engaged in an undiminished scope and capacity in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1244. In conclusion, I would like to point out that lately in all international forums we keep hearing calls for respect of the principles of the UN. We support the territorial integrity of all UN member states. But, what about Serbia? I would like to ask the esteemed members of this distinguished body whether the need to implement the principles of the UN Charter applies only to some or all of its members? As a country that consistently respects international law and still suffers the consequences of it being violated, we believe that the UN Charter and international law, including the territorial integrity and sovereignty of states, should be respected by all and apply indiscriminately to all UN member states.

Ladies and gentleman,

It was this body that more than two decades ago adopted Resolution 1244, which confirmed the territorial integrity of Serbia. This fact did not prevent certain countries from recognizing the so-called “Kosovo” and thus violating the UN principles, but also the resolution that they adopted, by adjusting international law to their interests and goals. Precisely because of this, the more and more frequent mentioning of the case of "Kosovo" is an indication that the precedent made opened a Pandora's box, because the strength of each principle rests on its full and universal application and unconditional adherence.

You will notice that I posed a lot of questions in my statement and I express hope that today we will hear answers to at least some of them from you, esteemed members of the UN Security Council and representatives of Pristina, because the inhabitants of Kosovo and Metohija, of any nationality, whether they are Serbs or Albanians deserve it.

All the inhabitants of Kosovo and Metohija have every right to expect an improvement in the atmosphere and the reduction of tensions on the ethnic level, which are a prerequisite for a normal life. For such a step to be made, we need constructiveness, which is not lacking on the Serbian side, genuine support of international actors. I emphasize that Serbia has always been and remains deeply committed to finding a sustainable solution by peaceful means, for the sake of peace, stability and a common future.

Thank you.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and China’s State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met on the margins of the 77th UN General Assembly.

As reported, President Vucic had “an excellent, serious and meaningful meeting with Chinese friends, at which they reiterated Serbia’s and China’s strong commitment to the consistent struggle for the honoring of international law and principles embedded in the UN Charter.”

President Vucic, who participated in the UN General Assembly’s annual session, said they also exchanged opinions on the situation in the world and on regional issues. „As always, I listened carefully to the measured, thoughtful and wise views of our Chinese diplomats,“ said President Vucic.

The Serbian President wrote on his Instagram account that he and the Chinese Minister “agreed that overcoming the challenges of the present day required, more than ever, a rational approach with negotiations and dialogue which is the only way that must become a general principle for resolving all conflicts.” (Source: Tanjug) 

Ambassador Maja Stefanović is appointed rotating president of Lookwe magazine, specialized in presentation of foreign countries in China, with the aim of intensifying the overall people-to-people exchange, cultural, especially economic and investment cooperation between China and foreign countries.

The general director of the magazine, Su Yunzu, informed that Lookwe magazine made a decision to appoint ambassador Stefanović as rotating president of the magazine for the year 2022-2023. Duties handover ceremony, from the recent president of the magazine, ambassador of Malta, will be held at the China Diplomats' Chinese Culture Night, scheduled for 8 December this year. The China Diplomats' Chinese Culture Night represents a non-governmental platform for public diplomacy at the highest level in China, and a multilateral platform, respectively, with the aim of connecting China and other countries, whereas more than 160 embassies, international organizations, as well as numerous business communities and Beijing media participate.

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic spoke today with Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Serbia Chen Bo about the continuation of the development of outstanding bilateral relations in the political, economic and foreign trade fields.

During the meeting, Brnabic placed special emphasis on the growth of economic cooperation, underlining that the volume of trade in goods in 2021 amounted to €5.3 billion, with the growth of Serbian exports by 157.7%.
According to her, in just five months of this year, the exchange was €2.62 billion, which is almost 40 percent more compared to 2021, and growth was also recorded when it comes to exports (more than 76 percent), as and imports (about 32 percent).
She said that in the past year, China was the second largest foreign trade partner of Serbia, and pointed out that during the last decade, Serbia's exports to China increased 152 times, and that in the past three years alone, since 2019, it has tripled.
Also, as she added, out of the five largest Serbian exporters to the world last year, as many as three companies are owned by Chinese investors, which achieved a total export of €1.9 billion.
The Prime Minister expressed her special satisfaction regarding the renewal of the direct Belgrade-Beijing airline line of a Chinese company, as well as the scheduled regular flights of Air Serbia from the end of October.
Speaking about the current political situation in the world, Brnabic said that Serbia supports the one-China policy and considers Taiwan an integral part of the People's Republic of China, and underlined that this position will not change.
Ambassador Chen Bo thanked Serbia for its consistent position and support for China in this matter.
She added that Serbia, on the other hand, can still count on the continuous support of China on the international level, but also the development and improvement of cooperation in other fields, such as the Green Agenda, energy, biotechnology and the development of new technologies.

The Consulate General of the Republic of Serbia in Shanghai will be temporarily closed from March 8, 2022 till April 6, 2022, according to the Decision of the relevant authorities in Shanghai, due to COVID-19 policy of Shanghai.

Until the abovementioned date, the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Beijing will administer consular services for the applicants from the territory under the consular jurisdiction of the Consulate General of the Republic of Serbia.

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic said today, at the opening of the Chamber of Chinese Companies in Belgrade, that we want even more Chinese investors to come to our country, stating that the two largest exporters in 2021 were two Chinese companies – HBIS and Zijin.
Brnabic pointed out at the Chinese Cultural Centre that China, with its companies, by opening the chamber in these difficult times, has shown that it believes in Serbia and its political and economic stability.
According to her, this is an extremely important day for the whole of Serbia, because we live in difficult and complicated times, when a large number of partnerships and ties are broken and when we are all under great pressure.
According to her, Serbia is focused on that, as opposed to what is happening in the world, where investors from other countries are hesitant and withdrawing.
The Prime Minister assessed that by opening the Chamber, Chinese companies show their intention to continue investing in Serbia, pointing out that the foreign trade between the two countries is getting stronger every day and that in 2021 it reached a record €5.3 billion.
According to her, China has now taken second place, after Germany as the most important economic partner, while Serbia's exports to China last year amounted to approximately €1 billion, having increased 15 times in the last five years.
Relations between the two countries will continue to strengthen, and Serbia will try to agree on a free trade agreement with China as soon as possible, which was discussed by Presidents Aleksandar Vucic and Xi Jinping, Brnabic repeated.
It is a huge market and has great potential, she pointed out and added that this way we will be able to attract investors from other countries.
When it comes to the announced introduction of direct flights from Belgrade to Beijing and Shanghai, she estimated that it will help strengthen bilateral cooperation.
The President of the Chamber of Chinese Companies expressed gratitude for the support of the government of Serbia, the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade and Chinese companies.
I believe that our chamber will be united and have a key role in strengthening the cooperation between the two countries, he emphasized and added that individuals will also be able to use the Chamber for the exchange of experiences and cooperation.
Charge d'Affaires at the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade Tian Yishu said that the two countries have withstood the test of time in their mutual relations, which have become even stronger, and are a model of good cooperation in international relations.

On the occasion of the Statehood Day of the Republic of Serbia, Minister for Foreign Affairs Nikola Selaković received a congratulatory message from State Secretary and Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi.
In his message, Minister Wang said that the China―Serbia relations were growing stronger, with successful mutual visits during the previous year. He emphasised that the friendship between the two countries was “made of steel” and unbreakable.
Minister Wang also noted that he was ready to work with Minister Selaković on further development of the Serbia―China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
“I wish your country prosperity, and your people good fortune and well-being”, Minister Wang stated in his message.

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic attended today in Geneva the signing of the Agreement on the Establishment of the World Economic Forum Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in Serbia, the first of its kind in the Western Balkans.
The agreement was signed at the headquarters of that forum by Director of the Office for Information Technologies and eGovernment Mihailo Jovanovic and Managing Director and Head of the Forum's Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Jeremy Jurgens.
The centre in Serbia will be the 16th in the network of centres of the World Economic Forum in the world and the first in the region of the Western Balkans.
The new centre will start operating on 1 March and will function as a non-profit organisation and a platform for public-private partnership and cooperation for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, while the focus of work will be on artificial intelligence and bioengineering.
This centre will work within the Serbian government’s Office for Information Technologies and eGovernment and will cooperate with scientific institutes, state institutions and the private sector.
The signing of this document was also attended by founder and Executive Director of the World Economic Forum Klaus Schwab and President of the World Economic Forum Borge Brende, with whom Brnabic had previously met.
Addressing the press, Brnabic pointed out that this agreement is the result of many years of joint work between Serbia and the World Economic Forum.
We started talking in 2018, signed a Memorandum of Understanding, then 2020 hampered us a bit, but we continued to plan in 2021 and here we are today, she said.
According to her, the centre will be focused on the development of artificial intelligence, biomedicine and biotechnology, and on the ways in which digitalisation can raise the productivity of companies and the entire economy.
This is what further leads to higher salaries, a better standard of living, as well as to an economy that is mainly based on knowledge, creativity and innovation, Brnabic emphasised.
Today, we have received great recognition for everything that Serbia has done in the field of digitalisation, development of high technologies and paradigm shift – from an economy that was based on labour-intensive investments to digital development.
That is why this agreement shows that Serbia has been recognised as one of the leaders in the economy and IT industry in the last six years, the Prime Minister pointed out and assessed that this is the announcement of the beginning of an even closer cooperation between Serbia and WEF.
She added that they will have a joint meeting with the 16 WEF centres for the fourth industrial revolution in the world every month, at which they will talk about what each of them is doing, since each has a different focus.
That is how we will hear what everyone is doing every month, learn from each other and I am sure that the centre in Belgrade will be one of the best, the Prime Minister said.
According to her, this gives us visibility, the opportunity to further establish Serbia as an investment destination, a country good for living and investing in new technologies and knowledge.
Jovanovic said that the ecosystem formed around the centre will use the infrastructure of the National Platform for the Development of Artificial Intelligence, the Centre for Genome Sequencing and the future bioeconomic centre – BIO4 Campus.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Nikola Selakovic met today with Ambassador of the People's Republic of China Chen Bo.

Minister Selakovic expressed satisfaction with the continuous strengthening of friendship, political dialogue at the high and top levels and the comprehensive strategic partnership between our two countries.

He pointed out that the recent visit by Foreign Minister Wang Yi was yet another demonstration of the ironclad friendship, showing that the political dialogue between Serbia and China was very intensive despite the coronavirus pandemic.

When it comes to the economic cooperation between Serbia and China, Selakovic stated that it was very important that the trade in goods was constantly growing, and noted in particular that it had tripled in the last five years owing to cooperation within the "Belt and Road" and China-CEEC formats.

We are pleased with and highly appreciate the work done by Chinese companies in Serbia on joint projects in the fields of infrastructure and energy, the Minister said, emphasizing that the dynamics of realization of the majority of projects was such that they were carried out at the agreed pace, and that some were even being realized faster than the deadlines stipulated in contracts.

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic stated today that severe examples of endangering the Serbian cultural, historical and spiritual heritage in Kosovo and Metohija are proof of the important role of UNESCO in protecting and preserving heritage.

At the 41st session of the General Conference of UNESCO in Paris, Brnabic emphasized that four jewels of the Serbian medieval cultural heritage in Kosovo – Visoki Decani, Pec Patriarchate, Gracanica and Bogorodica Ljeviska, have been preserved thanks to the fact that they are inscribed on the endangered world heritage list. Hundreds of other sites and monuments are endangered.

The Serbian heritage in Kosovo and Metohija is of immeasurable importance, not only for the national identity of Serbia, but also as a part of the esteemed European and world heritage, she underlined.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, Nikola Selaković, talked today with the State Counselor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, Wang Yi.

Minister Selaković expressed satisfaction with the first bilateral visit of Minister Wang to Serbia, although the head of Chinese diplomacy had previously visited our country as a member of the delegations of the Chinese prime minister and president. This is also the first bilateral visit of the head of Chinese diplomacy to Belgrade after more than ten years. He emphasized that Serbia and China are bound by a steel friendship and a comprehensive strategic partnership, as well as mutual support in issues of essential national interest.

"I am glad that, despite the challenges that the whole world is facing due to the Covid-19 pandemic, our bilateral relations are developing unhindered, and that we have managed to preserve the intensity of political dialogue and exchange of visits at a high level", Selaković said.

He emphasized that Serbia is proud of the exceptional bilateral relations with China, which are given a special dimension by the close and friendly relations between the presidents of Serbia and China, Aleksandar Vučić and Xi Jinping.

"Our wish is that, despite the delay that occurred due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the announced visit of the Chinese president to Serbia will soon be realized", Selaković said.

Speaking about the cooperation between the two ministries of foreign affairs, Selaković pointed out that it is very good, expressing expectation that the Protocol on cooperation between the two ministries, which was signed today, will contribute to its further strengthening. He also mentioned that it would be of great importance to hold bilateral political consultations at the level of deputy ministers as soon as possible, as well as consultations in the field of consular cooperation.

The head of Serbian diplomacy emphasized that we highly appreciate China's consistent position and support for Serbia's territorial integrity and sovereignty, especially thanking them for their clear support in the UN and other international organizations and institutions. At the same time, the minister emphasized that Serbia strongly supports the policy of "one China" and the principle of "one country – two systems".

Minister Selaković pointed out that Serbia provides active and strong support to the global "Belt and Road" initiative, as well as the mechanism of cooperation between China and CEEC.

Selaković said that Serbia supports every inclusive initiative that encourages global development and provides equal opportunities to all countries, regardless of their size and population, and in that spirit, supports the "Global Development Initiative", which was presented by Chinese President Xi Jinping in his speech at the 76th session of the UN General Assembly. He added that we are convinced that the mentioned initiative will contribute to the further strengthening of multilateralism, a just international order and peaceful development, and for the benefit of all humanity.

When it comes to economic cooperation, Selaković said that China is the most important trade partner of Serbia in Asia, and expressed satisfaction that our exchange is growing steadily, especially emphasizing that trade between the two countries has tripled in the last five years.
Selaković especially said that we are happy with the successful work of Chinese companies in Serbia, work on joint projects in the field of energy and infrastructure, expressing expectation that there will be new investments of Chinese companies.

The State Counselor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, Wang Yi, pointed out that it was a great honor and pleasure for him to visit Serbia again, and thanked for the hospitality shown to him personally and the Chinese delegation.

"You are a young, very successful politician in the political life of Serbia. As the minister of foreign affairs, you are making a great contribution to the development and strengthening of our relations and steel friendship", Wang said, emphasizing that this was also his impression from the first meeting with the head of Serbian diplomacy, during Minister Selaković's visit to Guiyang in May this year.

"We met then and established a good working relationship, you sent me an invitation to visit and, as we agreed, I came to Serbia", Wang said. He emphasized that the confirmation of the extraordinary relations between the two countries is also seen in the fact that mutual visits, of Minister Selaković to China, as well as his current visit to Serbia, were realized in a period of less than half a year, which also testifies to the importance that both countries attach to mutual relations and partnership.

"Our side highly appreciates the traditional friendship, which has withstood various temptations, as well as challenges and changes at the international level", Wang said, adding that the traditional friendship between Serbia and China was renewed under the strong leadership of presidents Vučić and Xi.

"China will always be a loyal partner to Serbia. The goal of my arrival is to maintain the intensity of the in-depth strategic dialogue with the Serbian leadership and to further improve the overall cooperation", Wang said.

"Your Excellences,
distinguished delegates,
dear Sarah,

At the very beginning, I feel obliged to thank Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Her Majesty’s Government for exceptional hospitality.

I feel privileged to represent the Republic of Serbia at this important place and at the highest-level world forum, in working on the most important topic of today – promoting climate awareness.

We all agree that we must make investment into climate and environment.

We all, likewise agree, that future generations must be educated in order not to repeat the mistakes we made, by hurting the only Planet that makes life possible.

I am very honoured that the Republic of Serbia is co-chairing this year’s Conference as a Non-EU representative of the Eastern Europe Group.

In concrete terms, we see the special contribution of our expert team in finalising negotiations on the implementation of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which refers to the establishment of the global market and non-market mechanisms for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as well as to remaining provisions referring to advanced transparency framework and common timeframes for Nationally Determined Contributions, which are the key provisions of the Agreement that have not yet been covered by the decision that is to be adopted by the Conference, i.e. all member states.

We, therefore, believe that this is an exceptional opportunity for Serbia to give its full contribution to the finalization of negotiations, which, we hope, will secure full implementation of the Paris Agreement.

As a result of strong economic development, modelled for Serbia by 2050, the impact of the implementation of climate measures to employment will be optimal, through new jobs creation and creation of new industries which have not existed so far.

One billion euros was raised at the first green bonds auction in Serbia, which clearly confirms the trust of international investors in our green agenda, but also to the economic and political stability of our country.

Incomes from green bonds issuance will be used for financing renewables, energy efficiency, sustainable water management, prevention of pollution and circular economy development and biodiversity preservation.

And as you can see, dear friends, my people made a terrific speech for me, but I am going to add a few more words and a few more questions for those that are coming from big powers and that haven’t answered yet several questions:

Number one is: how are we going to finance all these activities?

We’ve heard the story of trillions of dollars that are at our disposal. My question would be: what would be the interest rate, what would be the terms for taking these amounts of money, and actually how are we going to tackle that issue?

Number two: how are we going to treat the nuclear power plants? Are we going to shut them all or are we going to build them more?

Then, how are we going to build more renewables if we already started endorsing populist movements against wind parks, new hydropower plants, and are we going to put in jeopardy the level of our public debt to GDP ratio if we raise huge amounts of money?

How are we going to treat natural gas, and how are we going to secure decent prices of natural gas and electricity power as well?

And, I came here using an electric car from Edinburgh to Glasgow. But, how are we going to do mining and refining of lithium, nickel, cobalt and many other very important minerals?

In the end, we all know what is our final aim, what is our final target. But, it’s not a fairytale – we’ll have to work a lot, we’ll have to be 100 per cent dedicated, and we’ll have to be more honest with each other.

The health of people living in Serbia depends directly on the implementation of this Agenda, just like the health and life of each living being on Earth depends on arrangements that will be reached here and on national implementation of the respective arrangements.

Perhaps it is the right time to listen and hear the cry of Mother Earth because if we lose this race against time, our children will inherit an irreparably polluted Planet.

Thank you very much for listening to me."

The President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, met with the State Counselor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, Wang Yi, with whom he discussed friendly and economic relations between the two countries, but also joint projects implemented by the Republic of Serbia and the People's Republic of China, which are worth almost eight billion euros.

President Vučić expressed satisfaction with the visit of, as he said, a great friend, adding that they had discussed all topics of mutual interest for a long time. He pointed out that Serbia and China support each other in international institutions and organizations, as well as that trade has tripled in the last five years.

"We have an extraordinary relationship that is adorned with a steel friendship. For us, your visit is a great honor and I want to thank you for your decision to visit Serbia and to ask you to convey my most sincere greetings to the President of the People's Republic of China and a great friend of the Republic of Serbia, Xi Jinping", said President Vučić and stated that he was especially surprised and pleased that the Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs emphasized the need for cooperation in innovative, modern technologies – robotics and artificial intelligence.

"In that way, with the support of China, Serbia can keep pace with the most developed countries in the world", President Vučić pointed out. At the meeting of delegations, he said that Serbia and China have no open issues in the political sphere, and that they cooperate well in all international institutions and organizations, multilateral forums, as well as in bilateral relations.

"I believe that we can, if it is possible at all, raise our cooperation to an even higher level", said President Vučić and thanked for the support for the territorial integrity of Serbia, in the way that Serbia has always supported the policy of China.

"Thank you for the huge investments in Serbia. Thank you for the opportunity to participate in the "Belt and Road" initiative. We support the wise words of President Xi at the United Nations General Assembly and his initiative for global development", President Vučić emphasized.

State Counselor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, Wang Yi, conveyed the cordial greetings of Chinese President Xi Jinping to President Vučić and said that the Chinese President highly appreciates the great friendship with him.

"President Xi values the deep friendship and strong mutual trust he has established with you personally. The development of our relations is based on equality and mutual respect and common interests", said Minister Yi, adding that this is a great driving force in the relations between Serbia and China, which have a bright future. He pointed out that the two countries preserve equality in solidarity and stand for justice on the international scene, as well as respect for principles in international relations.

"Together we bear the responsibility for peace and stability, both in the region and in the world. We are proud of the development of our relations", Chinese Minister Wang Yi emphasized.

State Counsellor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, Wang Yi, is on a two-day visit to Serbia. During the first day of the visit, he met with the Prime Minister of Serbia, Ana Brnabić, and the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ivica Dačić.

At the meeting between Prime Minister Ana Brnabić and Minister Wang Yi, bilateral relations between the two countries were discussed, as well as ways and means of deepening and developing them.

On that occasion, Brnabić thanked China for the help that China provided to Serbia during the corona virus pandemic – professional medical assistance, equipment and support in vaccination.

This, the prime minister added, only strengthened the steel friendship between the two countries, which is further deepening with the project of building a factory for the production of vaccines of the Chinese company "Sinopharm".

The prime minister also emphasized the importance of cooperation with the People's Republic of China in the field of infrastructure development and new large investments of Chinese companies in Serbia, despite the fact that the pandemic still continues, noting that the dynamics of most projects is proceeding at an agreed pace, and that some of them end even faster than the deadlines stipulated in the contract.

When it comes to the successful privatization of the Smederevo Ironworks, as well as finding a strategic partner for RTB Bor, Brnabić expressed special gratitude, emphasizing that this saved thousands of jobs.

Serbia also attaches great importance and provides strong support to Chinese President Xi Jinping's global "Belt and Road" initiative and the China-CEEC cooperation mechanism, the Serbian prime minister added.

Our ambition for further development of political, economic and all other relations is great, said Brnabić and congratulated the Chinese side on the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party.

State Counsellor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, Wang Yi, thanked for the congratulations and pointed out that the friendship between the two countries, on an equal basis, is developing for the benefit of both peoples.

He added that China is ready to continue to be a true friend of Serbia, and that is why Belgrade can fully count on any kind of assistance that is needed.

Wang Yi stated that there is still room for cooperation, especially when it comes to trade, and given that he knows how much the prime minister is personally committed to the development of digitalization and innovation, China is fully available to Serbia in that field as well.

In a cordial and friendly conversation between the President of the National Assembly, Ivica Dačić, and the State Counsellor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, Wang Yi, it was pointed out that relations between Serbia and China are traditionally good and that despite all obstacles in recent years they have reached a completely new level.

The President of the National Assembly, Ivica Dačić, used the opportunity to once again express his great gratitude to China for the help it sent to the people of Serbia during the previous year due to the crisis caused by the corona virus pandemic. The selfless help that China continues to provide is a real proof of the strategic partnership and friendship between our two countries.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, Wang Yi, expressed gratitude to his former colleague for the warm welcome and said that his visit today is another confirmation of the friendship between the two countries. He thanked the President of the National Assembly, Dačić, for his contribution to the development of good relations between Serbia and China in his previous functions, especially emphasizing that Ivica Dačić was the first Minister of Foreign Affairs to visit China in February last year at the beginning of the pandemic. At that time, Serbia clearly showed its support and solidarity in a challenging and difficult moment for China.

Dačić expressed gratitude for China's principled support in preserving the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Serbia. He also stressed Serbia's interest in further intensifying political dialogue at the high and highest levels, as well as improving cooperation in various fields.

When it comes to the work of parliaments, the interlocutors stated that bilateral parliamentary relations between the two countries are gaining new momentum today through a comprehensive strategic partnership. The cooperation of the deputies is realized very successfully through the cooperation of the Friendship Groups and through the work of the Commission for Cooperation between the National Assembly and the Chinese National Congress.

Minister Wang Yi conveyed greetings from the Chinese Parliament Speaker Li Zhanshu to the Serbian National Assembly Speaker, Ivica Dačić.

Earlier today, the State Counsellor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, Wang Yi, was welcomed at the airport "Nikola Tesla" by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, Nikola Selaković.

Tomorrow, the head of Chinese diplomacy will have separate meetings with the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nikola Selaković.
 

Distinguished President of the Security Council,

Esteemed members of the Security Council,

Distinguished Special Representative,
I would like to thank Secretary-General of the United Nations Mr. Guterres and Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMIK Mr. Tanin for the report submitted and for their efforts made towards the implementation of the UNMIK mandate. I would also like to thank the members of the Security Council for the continued attention they have devoted to the issue of Kosovo and Metohija. The Republic of Serbia highly values the activities of the Mission of the United Nations in Kosovo and Metohija and supports it in carrying out its work as efficiently as possible, pursuant to the UN Security Council Resolution 1244, and undiminished in scope, aiming to build and preserve lasting peace, stability and security in the Province.

Mr. Tanin,

Please accept the expressions of our gratitude for your engagement and the cooperation we achieved during your term of office.

Mr. President,

Deep regret and concerns are raised by the fact that the security situation in Kosovo and Metohija in the past period has been marked by an increasing number of various ethnically motivated attacks and incidents targeting Serbs, which was also stated in the Report; that the provisional institutions of self-government (PISG) in Pristina continue to take unilateral steps and refuse to implement the agreements reached in the Brussels dialogue; and that institutional discrimination against Serbs, attacks on the sites of the Serbian Orthodox Church and the undermining of the economic sustainability of Serb communities in the Province have continued.

We are witnessing that dangerous provocations by Pristina are taking place every day, at an accelerated pace, thus seriously threatening the safety of Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija and directly violating the agreements and arrangements reached within the Brussels dialogue.

The latest violent incursion of the so-called ROSU units into the northern part of Kosovska Mitrovica, on 13 October, is the ninth incursion of its kind. Tear gas, shock bombs and unbridled violence are becoming a matter of everyday life for Serbs in the north of Kosovo and Metohija, and that must be stopped immediately.

In the last attack with firearms and chemicals used by Pristina special forces, 71-year-old Verica Djelic died as a result of chemicals used in the intervention, 10 unarmed civilians were wounded, one of them 36 years old Srećko Sofronijević was critically wounded in the back with of an automatic rifle. A three-month-old baby, who miraculously remained unharmed, was also the target of the shooting.

The false excuse for the latest unilateral action, as EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell called it, was the fight against organized crime and smuggling. Ladies and gentlemen, Serbia is strongly against organized crime and smuggling, but the members of the UNSC should know that such an important and general global goal, which we all share, was cynically used for an armed attack on unarmed civilians, which began with an automatic rifle raid of pharmacies in which patients of Serbian and other nationalities are supplied with vitally important medicines. Four days before the local elections in Kosovo and Metohija, in order to gain votes in an irresponsible and inhumane way, fully motivated by separatist goals, the current PISG regime used medicines on which people’s lives depend to prove its position on the status contrary to UNSCR 1244.

Only a few days earlier, another provocation on the part of Pristina led to a dangerous crisis, when personnel of the so-called ROSU unit, armed with long firearms and reinforced with armoured vehicles, were deployed to administrative crossings between central Serbia and Kosovo and Metohija - Brnjak and Jarinje – in order to remove Serbian license plates and replace them with temporary ones, thus violently preventing the free movement of citizens.

These events do not fall within the reporting period covered by the latest Report of the UN Secretary General on the work of UNMIK, but it is incumbent upon us to address them on this occasion, in order to have everyone understand how dramatic the situation on the ground has been and how serious the consequences of Pristina's unilateral actions can be.

The incursions of heavily armed Pristina police formations, composed exclusively of Albanians, into the north of Kosovo and Metohija, under various pretexts and motives, with the use of excessive force, are provocations that have an extremely dangerous potential to destabilize the already sensitive security situation on the ground. The goal of the latest incursions of Pristina’s special force personnel into the north of the province was to provoke the Serbs and additionally intimidate them with a demonstration of force, as well as to provoke Belgrade to react hastily in some way.

It is obvious that with such moves Pristina aims to erase the 10 years of dialogue, which is the only way to resolve open issues. These provocations once again demonstrate that the provisional institutions of self-government in Pristina, not only do not intend to implement everything agreed in the Brussels dialogue, but that their goal is to completely deny dialogue as a means of resolving problems. An effective response to Pristina's lack of credibility and their dangerous play with fire, which could have unforeseeable consequences, cannot be provided by calling on "both sides" for constructiveness and restraint, which has long been a manner in public communication of some important factors in the international community. There is only one source of destabilization, it has a name – and that is the provisional institutions of self-government in Pristina - and after the events of 13 October, it is clear that it can and needs to be stopped by urgent and decisive action of the international community. It is now quite obvious that these are no longer sporadic and isolated provocations by Pristina, but that this is an organized campaign of ethnically motivated violence and discrimination against Serbs.

We also express our concern over the latest imposition of tariffs by Pristina on certain products originating from central Serbia, which was made public on 8 October. We remind you that the unilateral decision of Pristina to impose duties on products from central Serbia in November 2018 resulted in a de facto complete trade blockade and a long-term stalemate in the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina. In contrast to Pristina, which persistently seeks to raise barriers towards central Serbia through unilateral acts, Belgrade is persistently and consistently working to liberalize the flow of people, goods, services and capital, which is the basic goal of our "Open Balkan" initiative. North Macedonia and Albania joined this initiative, but Pristina did not.

Distinguished members of the Security Council,

In the period from March to September this year, which is covered in the latest Report, close to 100 ethnically motivated attacks were carried out against Serbs, their private property, religious and cultural heritage sites. The increase in the frequency of attacks was accompanied by the strengthening of the intensity of ethnically motivated violence, which more and more often targets children, the elderly, women, the few returnees present there, as well as churches and other property of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

This systematically intensifies the ubiquitous sense of insecurity of the remaining Serbs, but also deters potential returnees, who are in fact being told that local Albanian communities can attack them with impunity and prevent them from returning to live in their own homes.

The most striking example of the position of Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija is the case of the displaced person Dragica Gašić, who moved into her apartment in the municipality of Djakovica again in early June. In that town – to which local Albanians proudly refer as a place forbidden to Serbs - Ms. Gašić, on her return, first faced physical and verbal attacks by citizens of Albanian nationality living there. Instead of being provided protection, that seriously ill woman then became a victim of institutional persecution as well, that the local self-government bodies and the police unleashed against her. Since this is a person who is the first and only Serb returnee to Đakovica after more than twenty years, it was to be expected that, at that moment, at least civil society organizations would attempt to protect her rights. However, NGOs from Djakovica soon joined the activities aimed at the expulsion Ms. Gašić, including those receiving funding from international donors for projects related to strengthening democracy and the rule of law.

I must also mention the latest attack on the house of the only remaining Serbian woman in the center of Pec, retired teacher Rumena Ljubić, whose windows were stoned twice in just 24 hours on 13 October.

Dragica's and Rumena’s fate is a frightening reflection of the real situation of human rights that almost every one of over 200,000 displaced Serbs and non-Albanians would face in Kosovo and Metohija - provided that they gather the courage to return to their homes in the Province after more than twenty years. I would like to remind you again that since 1999, only around 1.9% of internally displaced Serbs and other non-Albanians have achieved a sustainable return to Kosovo and Metohija.

Therefore, I believe that the aforementioned will encourage the members of the Security Council and the international presence on the ground to devote priority attention in the future

to the issue of the return of displaced persons, which is an important part of the UNMIK mandate under UN Security Council Resolution 1244.

I therefore thank the Secretary-General in particular for keeping this extremely important issue in focus and for calling again, in the conclusions of his Report, for the creation of conditions for the sustainable return of internally displaced persons and the sustainable reintegration of returnees.

Distinguished members of the Security Council,

Serbian medieval monuments in Kosovo and Metohija, including monuments that, due to their exceptional value but also constantly being subject to threats are inscribed on the UNESCO List of World Heritage in Danger, are still among the most endangered cultural heritage in Europe.

I wish to recall that there are over 1,300 Serbian churches and monasteries in Kosovo and Metohija. Attacks on Serbian cultural and religious heritage are at the same time attacks on the identity of Serbs in the Province and directly affect their sense of safety.

A striking example of disrespect for Serbian cultural and religious monuments in the Province is the case of the Visoki Decani monastery. The monastery, which has been the target of attacks and shelling several times since 2000, is still secured by KFOR forces due to being under a threat. It is faced with a series of hostile actions, and the perpetrators are not deterred by the fact that this is a World Heritage Site. Despite frequent declaratory statements, even the decision of the so-called "constitutional court" of the PISG in Pristina five years ago confirming ownership of Visoki Decani Monastery over 24 hectares, is not respected. We welcome the assessment made by the UN Secretary General in his Report.

Dear Mr. President,

The Republic of Serbia remains committed to finding a compromise political solution, as prescribed under Resolution 1244, which will ensure lasting peace and stability. We firmly believe that dialogue and the implementation of the agreements reached are the only right way to resolve all open issues.

As a state committed to the respect for international law and a member of the United Nations, Serbia opposes any attempt at establishing an artificial balance between the parties in the dialogue, as well as the relativization of responsibility for unilateral acts.

We note with concern that not even eight years after reaching the Brussels Agreement, the establishment of the Community of Serb Municipalities has not been initiated, although Belgrade has fulfilled all its obligations under that agreement.

There are also numerous and repeated examples of Pristina violating or obstructing agreements reached in dialogue, in the areas of energy, justice, freedom of movement and visits by officials.

One such example is the verdict sentencing Ivan Todosijevic to two years in prison, which is also pointed out in the Secretary General's Report. The Brussels Agreement was directly breached, which was also stated by the representatives of the European Union. With its conduct Pristina caused immeasurable damage to the reconciliation process in Kosovo and Metohija.

Despite the interpretation from the European Commission that this is a violation of the Brussels Agreement, because Todosijevic had to be sentenced by a panel consisting of the majority of judges of Serbian ethnicity, Pristina still does not take any action in this regard.

Pristina also continued with the practice of banning Serbian officials from entering the territory of the Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija.

We believe that it is important that the international community, and especially the European Union, as the guarantor of the agreement, firmly insists that the provisional institutions of self-government in Pristina start implementing all the agreements reached.

Distinguished members of the Security Council,

As before, the Republic of Serbia remains fully committed to resolving the issue of missing persons, as also demonstrated through full cooperation with relevant international mechanisms as well as participation in the work of the Working Group on Missing Persons. We expect that the representatives of the provisional institutions of self-government in Pristina will fulfill their obligations.

Bearing in mind everything I delivered here today in my address, we hold the position that the international presence in Kosovo and Metohija, pursuant to UN Security Council Resolution 1244, is still necessary. In addition to UNMIK, the presence of KFOR as the main guarantor of security and EULEX, due to its engagement in the field of the rule of law, is also important. I would like to emphasize once again that Serbia fully supports respect for international law, comprehensive implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1244 and activities of UNMIK in an undiminished scope and with adequate financial resources, so that the Mission fulfills the mandate entrusted to it under the Resolution.

Thank you.
 

The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) has become an indispensable force in international relations, and China is ready to cooperate with its members and will continue to support them, Chinese FM Wang Yi noted in a letter to participants of a Belgrade high-level meeting marking the 60th anniversary of the NAM.

“As the world keeps changing and the times continue to evolve, developing and emerging market countries are rising with an unstoppable momentum. Standing at the threshold of the third decade of the 21st century, it is even more important for developing countries to stay independent and keep their future firmly within their own hands.

And it is even more imperative for developing countries to strengthen solidarity and cooperation to make the global governance system fairer and more equitable,” said the letter, read out by Chinese Ambassador to Serbia Chen Bo on Tuesday.

“China is a natural partner of NAM. We have been sharing weal and woe with developing countries. We have been providing political support to them, offering economic assistance, and speaking up for justice in the international arena. Those features shine like the primary colors of China’s foreign policy,” Wang’s letter said.

The President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, has received today the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, Chen Bo.

President Vučić and Ambassador Chen discussed the situation in the north of Kosovo and Metohija. On this occasion, Ambassador Chen informed President Vučić that the attitude of the China regarding Kosovo and Metohija was consistent and clear.

“China pays special attention to the current tense situation in the north of Kosovo and Metohija and believes that unilaterally taken action is not in the interest of peace and stability of the region. The international community should treat equally all parties, the double standard is not to the advantage of solving of the problem. The Chinese side respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Serbia regarding Kosovo and Metohija, understands and supports legitimate requests of Serbia, including the ones regarding the protection of security and legal rights of the Serbian people in Kosovo and Metohija, hoping that all agreements of the two parties reached so far would be strictly fulfilled”, Ambassador Chen stated the official position of China.

President Vučić thanked President Xi and China and the Party for the support regarding Kosovo and Metohija.

On this occasion, President Vučić gave to Ambassador Chen the letter of congratulations addressed to President Xi on the occasion of 1st October, the Foundation Day of the People’s Republic of China. President Vučić said that Serbia respected and loved China and that it was determined to cherish an honest Serbian-Chinese friendship, which, among other things, was stated in the letter:

“I am exceptionally proud because comprehensive relations of the Republic of Serbia and People’s Republic of China are at their historic peak, at the moment when I have the honor and responsibility to be the head of the Republic of Serbia. It is my great pleasure to cooperate with You on the comprehensive promotion of the strategic partnership of our countries. I sincerely believe in the bright future of our relations based on steel friendship and strategic partnership and inextricable connections between our two nations”.

Ambassador Chen thanked President Vučić for the congratulations card on the occasion of the national holiday emphasizing that it was a very important year in the Chinese history as the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party was celebrated, and important goals were attained.

President Vučić and Ambassador Chen agreed that joint infrastructural projects made progress in a planned dynamics and at the same time reviewed the plans for the continuation of works on the fast track between Belgrade and Budapest, in the section from Novi Sad to Serbian-Hungarian border.
 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, Nikola Selaković, has stated that in New York he introduced foreign ministers of 28 countries to economic success of Serbia but also to the situation in Kosovo and Metohija, which he also discussed with the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sergey Lavrov, who told him that we could count on the support of the Russian Federation, with regards to Serbian interests in K&M.

Summarizing results of his visit to New York within the session of the UN General Assembly, Minister Selaković says that one of the last meetings was with Minister Lavrov, which was their third meeting in the previous nine months.

The Serbian Foreign Minister says that he surely used this opportunity, too, to introduce Minister Lavrov to the latest events in northern Kosovo and Metohija, the situation of the dialog between Belgrade and Priština and very clear and unambiguous attitude of President Aleksandar Vučić regarding the continuation of the dialog and subsequent events in K&M.

“We discussed the principled support of the Russian Federation, which is constantly present not just in Moscow, Belgrade, in the field, but also here in the East River, by the delegation of the Russian Federation as the permanent member of the UN Security Council. Of course, we will continue to maintain this type of dialog. What Minister Lavrov said was that we could count on the support of the Russian Federation in future with regards to our interests in K&M”, highlighted Minister Selaković.

He said that he had had the opportunity in New York to hold 33 meetings, of which 28 with ministers of foreign affairs, whom he had introduced also to topicalities related to the latest events in Kosovo and Metohija, but also to our principled position regarding the observance of the international public law, territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Minister Selaković said that his colleagues at the meetings had praised the substantial and fantastic success of Serbia in the consolidation of the economic sphere and transformation of what had been on the edge of collapse and economic disaster seven years before to the fastest growing economy in Europe, which Serbia was in the past two years.

He said that most of his interlocutors had supported our reforms and expressed great respect toward what President Aleksandar Vučić and Serbia had done in the previous period.

Many of them, says the Serbian Foreign Minister, showed great interest in the manner in which Serbia organized the figth against Covid 19.

“It was a great pleasure and pride to represent the Republic of Serbia in all these meetings. Many of my colleagues confirmed their arrival to Belgrade to the Conference on 11th and 12th October, which is dedicated to the 60th anniversary of the foundation of the Non-Allied Movement”, said Minister Selaković.

He emphasized that it was not just the evidence of how much they had cared to come to Belgrade to the conference, but also to see and witness the Serbia which after several decades of attempts to fight different challenges rose to its feed, was economically consolidated and turned towards its traditional friends.

“That is a great deal and our country will surely during October be one of the spots on Earth of greatest importance for multilateralism, for cooperation among the countries which share the same values, the values entered into the UN Charter and which are based on the promotion and fight for peace, equality, observance of the international public law and rights of every country to pursue its path to happiness and better and more ordered society in compliance with the wishes of its population”, said Minister Selaković.

He said that the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov, would come to Belgrade to the conference on the occasion of the Non-Allied Movement adding that we had strategic cooperation with Azerbaijan and frequent contacts.

“We agreed to realize as soon as possible after the Belgrade conference his bilateral visit to Serbia”, added Minister Selaković.

He said that it had been agreed to intensify the cooperation and finalize the agreements which should be signed and after that realized when the meeting of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev took place.

Minister Selaković says that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had recently received its sector for economic diplomacy and there were great expectations from it and one of the tasks was to deepen the cooperation with Azerbaijan.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nikola Selaković, has discussed in New York today with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia Battsetseg Batmunkh, with whom he also signed the Agreement on Trade and Economic Cooperation of Serbia and Mongolia.

Selaković said that Serbia was opened for the improvement of the political dialog and complete cooperation with Mongolia with the special emphasis on strengthening of our economic relations.

Furthermore, the further development of cultural, educational cooperation as well as the cooperation in other areas was discussed. Selaković offered to Mongolia the participation in the program “World in Serbia”, which provides scholarships to citizens of friendly countries for education in Serbia.

The Minister especially thanked Mongolia for its attitude with regards to Kosovo and Metohija and the support to our territorial integrity and sovereignty. He informed the Mongolian Minister on the current situation in K&M emphasizing the commitment of Serbia to the dialog and regional peace and stability.

The Serbian Foreign Minister highlighted the positive agenda of Serbia, dedicated to the development of the entire region and “Open Balkans” initiative which may relax political relations in the region by economic benefits.

Selaković introduced his Mongolian colleague to economic success of Serbia in previous seven years, which laid the foundation for the development of digitalization, infrastructure and other fields. According to the Minister, Serbia in such manner could also invest in the health care, especially in the construction of hospitals and production of Covid-19 vaccines.

The Serbian Foreign Minister said that he hoped that the delegation of Mongolia would be in Belgrade in the first half of October at the gathering of the countries of the Non-Allied Movement on the occasion of the celebration of the 60th anniversary of Belgrade conferenc

The President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, has discussed today by phone with the General Secretary of NATO, Jens Stoltenberg about, as the General Secretary said, worrisome situation in northern Kosovo and Metohija.

President Vučić said that Serbia had not violated either Brussels Agreement or Resolution 1244 by anything, by any single move or in any manner jeopardized peace preservation.

“The complete occupation by armored vehicles of northern Kosovo and Metohija has lasted for seven days and it is conducted by Priština and everyone in the international community “are thunderously silent”, said Serbian President. “However, everyone is worried all of a sudden when they spot Serbian helicopters and airplanes at the territory of central Serbia, because apparently they should not exist, or should not take off until they receive the approval from Kurti or someone from the international community”, says President Vučić.

Serbia observes all international agreements it signed, Serbia will always conduct responsibly and seriously, but Serbia is still asking when the formation of SMC will start and when Kurti’s armored units will be withdrawn from northern Kosovo and Metohija.

Finally, with the gratitude to General Secretary Stoltenberg for the fair relation and wish to listen to the Serbian side, President Vučić asked about the norm and international regulation violated by Serbia? Today, yesterday or any time?

The two interlocutors agreed to stay in constant touch due to necessity of the preservation of peace and stability in the entire region.
 

The President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, met today with the delegation of the company Shandong Hi-Speed Group, and after the meeting, he attended the signing of the Commercial Agreement on the design and execution of works on the construction of the state IB class road, section of highway E-75 Belgrade-Nis (Pozarevac loop) - Požarevac (bypass) - Veliko Gradiste - Golubac.

President Vučić pointed out that the contract was signed after many months of drafting the conceptual design and fighting for the lowest possible cost of building a road that is almost 70 kilometers long. He stated that the value of the works is 337 million euros, and that the works will be completed in November 2024.

"In three years, we will travel from Belgrade to Gradiste in an hour, to Golubac in an hour and 15 minutes. I don't think anyone dreamed of that. We connect Serbia with the most beautiful part of the Danube and one of the most beautiful parts of the country, with the wonderful people in the east, which we have neglected not only for 80 years, but for more than a century", said President Vučić, pointing out that the offer of the Chinese company was 337 million euros, and the first next as much as 407 million euros, and thanked the Chinese partners for a good and fair offer. He specified that the road will not lead along the bank of the Danube, but that the road from Veliko Gradiste to Golubac will be shortened, and at the same time will go through some places that have been forgotten and where few people have remained to live.

"With this, we are building the future for the area around Pozarevac, the entire Branicevo, but also Bor District. With this, we give them a guarantee for the future, so that we can bring investors, and raise all tourist capacities", stated President Vučić and added that by not going along the Danube, the environment is protected. He thanked the Chinese partners, the country's ambassador to Serbia, Chen Bo, as well as Chinese President Xi Jinping, for all their support so far.

"We do not hide our friendly relationship with China, we are proud of that and we want to continue to develop our country, as well as our bilateral relations", said President Vučić.

Deputy director of the Chinese company Xin Meng said that he was honored to work on the project of building a high-speed route section on the Danube highway.

"I promise that our company will continue with its professional attitude towards work, that it will use technical advantages and thus contribute to strengthening the infrastructure in Serbia", said Xin Meng and reminded that in 2019 the company successfully completed the Obrenovac-Ljig section on the "Milos Veliki" highway, and that last year, works on the high-speed route section Valjevo - Lajkovac started.

The Ambassador of the PR of China to Serbia, Chen Bo, congratulated on the signing of the agreement and pointed out that it was a new important result of the cooperation between the two countries in the field of infrastructure. She thanked President Vučić for paying great attention to the cooperation between China and Serbia, and added that even in difficult pandemic conditions, the two countries are committed to economic development.

The President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, attended the marking of Remembrance Day of all the victims and expelled Serbs in the armed operation "Storm" and said that Serbia remembers!

"Today, when we remind ourselves again of what happened in August 1995, the terrible pogrom, the expulsion of more than 250,000 Serbs, the exodus and ethnic cleansing, we, at the same time, and finally, remind ourselves of who we are, what we are, where we come from and where we are going. Thank you all for being here together tonight and for showing how much we love our people", said President Vučić, adding that we will not forget any of the things that the Krajina people had to go through.

"For us, these are not just terrible numbers of victims", said President Vučić and emphasized that Serbia will not forget.

"History has never been rewritten like today. That is why I want to remind us all not only of what others have done to us, not wanting us to exist, but also of what we have done to ourselves, just as if we ourselves did not want to exist", said the President, noting that we must never again allow Serbia to forget its silent heroes.

President Vučić emphasized that we must never again cover our eyes, ears, and mouths in front of something that truly was a pogrom and the downfall of all humanity.

"Pretending that this is not true, avoiding saying it, is a crime not only against the victims, but also against ourselves, every living Serb, people from Krajina, as well as Serbia and its future", said President Vučić and underlined that people can stand up straight and live with themselves and the others without hesitation, fear and doubt, only if they remember.

President Vučić pointed out that Serbia must fight for peace and cradles with children, as well as that not remembering annuls and erases us from the history and the future, depriving us of the right to tomorrow.

"Our mission is a happy future for us and for the new generations! Today's Serbia is based on a clear identity and a culture of remembrance", said President Vučić and reminded that everything that had been neglected for decades had been done, and that a strong Serbia has become the master of its own destiny.

"Eternal glory to you, Serbian martyrs who perished in the "Storm" and all other pogroms. Your children are in their Serbia, taken care of, loved and successful. Sleep peacefully, Serbian falcons, the future of your children is our vow", concluded President Vučić and thanked everyone who showed that night how much they love their country and that Serbia remembers.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, Nikola Selaković, sent a telegram of condolences to the State Councilor and Foreign Minister of the People's Republic of China, Wang Yi, regarding the weather disasters and floods that hit that country, taking human lives and causing great material damage.

"On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia and on my own behalf, I extend my deepest condolences to you and the families who have lost their loved ones", reads the telegram from Minister Selaković, in which he also expresses his conviction that the people engaged in the fight against this disaster will save numerous human lives and property.

In the telegram, Minister Selaković pointed out that Serbia sympathizes with China in these difficult moments and that, in the spirit of fraternal and steel relations, it is ready to provide support and assistance to Chinese friends in eliminating the consequences of the floods, in accordance with its capabilities.

We have decided – our goal was and remains the EU, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić said in an interview with the German daily "Handelsblatt", adding that there is no alternative for Serbia, but also stressing that China is an important partner for Serbia, and that the task of the state is to take care about the interests of its citizens.

He thus answered the question of what Serbia will choose once it has to choose between close relations with Beijing or the EU. Vučić emphasized that Serbia wants to become a full member of the EU.

"We are connected by history, common culture, EU members are already undoubtedly our most important partners", he explained and added that the trade exchange between Germany and China is 3,000 times higher than between Serbia and China, and, as he noted, even despite that, Serbia's business operations with China are portrayed as a problem.

To the statement that the German Chancellor Angela Merkel did not congratulate the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party of China, and that he did so, he replied that Serbia is not Germany, but a small country. On additional insistence on what Serbia will do if it has to choose between the EU and China, he underlined that Serbia has already decided, that its goal was and remains the EU membership.

"Our biggest investors are from the EU. The EU accounts for 67% of our trade while 17 percent of the trade is with countries of the region that are all on the way to the EU. We cannot survive without the EU", he added.

"But can we do a lot of good things with China – of course. And we do that, just like Germany does", Vučić pointed out, and to the remark that the quality of the Silk Road projects was being criticized, primarily because of Chinese workers, he answered that the quality of roads or bridges, which Serbia is building with China, is excellent.

"We give jobs to those who submit the best offer to us. That is why I tell Europeans who criticize Chinese projects in our country – offer us a project for one euro more and you will get it", he emphasized.

In that regard, he pointed out that Serbia is building a railway to Northern Macedonia with 600 million euros of EU aid, stating that that offer was better than China's.

"There is often talk of a 180-kilometer railway to Budapest through the territory of Serbia, which is financed by China. But the railway that is being built with the help of the EU from Belgrade to the northern Macedonian border is twice as long and no one is talking about it. It is all too political", he stated.

Asked whether he welcomes the plans of the EU and the USA regarding an alternative initiative to the Silk Road, Vučić said that he supports everything that brings advantages to our region.

"The Chinese want to expand their presence everywhere, but many processes in the West are, frankly, more efficient and without problems. We still have a lot to learn from the West, but we are getting there", Vučić said.

He pointed out that China was an important partner for Serbia and added that when the consolidation of state finances began in 2014, our country received good conditions from China for development projects.

He also stated that a competition for a copper mine was announced in eastern Serbia, at the request of the EU, that no European company had made an offer for six months, and that it had then been taken over by the Chinese.

"Our job is to take care of our people", he said.

He reminded that the Serbian economy grew by 52% in eight and a half years, which for the EU means that Serbia could be a strong member and engine for the entire region.

Explaining how Serbia is developing so well economically, he pointed out that Serbia has an excellent workforce, which speaks English, that society and administration are digitalized, and that it has the most flexible labor law in Europe, as well as consolidated public finances.

He reminded that previously the public debt was at 78% of GDP, and that today it has been reduced, thanks to the strong growth of the economy, to 52%.

"We can afford to give investors an incentive to come", he added, emphasizing that Serbia offers investment assistance, but that, for example, subsidies were not the motive for the arrival of the development center of the company Continental.

He pointed out that, five or six years ago, only Serbia started using the dual education system in this region, which Germany, Switzerland and Austria also use, that tens of thousands of people are in dual education, and that this is appreciated by foreign investors, who, in addition, can work closely with universities as well.

Germany, he stated, is the most important trade partner and the largest investor.

We started with the arrival of small textile companies from Turkey, and now primarily large German companies are coming. Today, 71,000 people work in German companies in Serbia", he explained.

Vučić said that the European perspective is very important for investors, stating that Nidek, Toyo Tires or Mitsubishi are coming from Japan to Serbia because our country is on a stable European path.

Asked if he believes that Serbia will become an EU member in the foreseeable future, he said that he does not complain.

"It is certain that if we had received 45 billion euros of EU aid, we would have been much further economically. Instead, we received 1.6 billion euros from the EU. We are used to achieving our successes on our own", said Vučić.

The President of Serbia reminded that in Croatia, salaries used to be 2.2 times higher than in Serbia, and today they are only 1.7 times higher.

"We are closing the gap with our own efforts. If we were to become a member of the EU, then we would certainly not ask for the biggest subsidies", he assures.

He said that the Serbian path follows the German path to Europe, and that Serbia wants a fair chance.

"I believe Merkel's words. She is at the end of her term and I would not have to praise her anymore. But she gave us stability, freedom of travel to the EU, helped us with the migrant crisis in 2015, and asked the Minister of Economy Altmeier and others to work closely with us", he reminded.

Asked if there were any indications that the new German government would support Serbia in the same way, Vučić expressed confidence that it would be the same.

"I know Armin Laschet, I talked to him while he was the Minister-President of North Rhine-Westphalia. He is very smart and understands the situation in the Balkans, and he will certainly continue Merkel's policy towards our region as the new chancellor", he added.

Vučić also expressed his belief that Russia, if Serbia's accession to the EU were concretized, would not react similarly as in the case of Ukraine, as this is a sovereign decision of Serbia.

To an additional question in this regard, Vučić pointed out that whenever he met with Vladimir Putin, and there were 18 or 19 meetings, he told him that he was grateful for the traditionally close friendship with Russia, but also that Serbia is on a clear course towards the EU.

"He asked if it was our choice and I answered that EU membership is indeed our goal", he added.

When it comes to "Kosovo", Vučić emphasized that a compromise is needed regarding this issue.

"Only in this way can there be sustainable peace. Serbia wants peace, me as well. Let's stop with the madness of the past. Only then can the whole region become the engine of new growth for Europe", said Vučić.

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia, Ana Brnabić, stated at a gathering dedicated to digitalization and the IT sector, which was held in New York, that since she became Prime Minister, she is most proud of Serbia's success in the field of digitalization.

Brnabić, who is on a two-day visit to the United States, said that when she was elected Minister of Public Administration and Local Self-Government in August 2016, she wanted to do everything to change the public administration and what bothered her as a citizen.

She stated that, when she took office as Prime Minister, she knew what her priorities were and that first of all, digitalization needed to be raised to a higher level, that the education reform was supposed to begin, as well as work on strengthening the economy.

I believed in a country that believes in its people, because the Serbian people are creative. From 1 June 2017, we started working as an e-Government, i.e. we started exchanging data electronically, said the Prime Minister.

According to her, our citizens no longer had to go to, say, the Tax Administration, and since then, the public administration has exchanged 50 million documents, which means that citizens did not have to go from office to office for 50 million papers.

Brnabić pointed out that she is proud of what has been done in the field of education since she became the head of the Government, specifying that in September 2017, programming was introduced as a compulsory subject in primary schools.

Nobody believed that we could do that, but we cooperated with the private sector and some social organizations and we succeeded. At the moment, we are far ahead of numerous countries in Europe and the world, said the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister pointed out that she was most proud when the cornerstone was laid for the science and technology park in southern Serbia, noting that so far, our country has four science and technology parks.

She pointed out that Serbia has since become one of the most successful countries in the world in the field of technology, and that according to some parameters, it is among the ten countries in the world, or among the five, assessing that this is proof that the country can change quickly.

Answering the question about vaccination, the Prime Minister emphasized that our country has never seen it as a geopolitical issue, but as a health issue.

According to her, Serbia talked with producers from both the East and the West and was among the first European countries to sign agreements with the company Pfizer-BioNTech and Sinopharm.

Unfortunately, many countries have viewed this issue as geopolitical. It did not matter to us, as long as the vaccines were safe, the Prime Minister emphasized and added that this was not the end of Serbia's success, because good organization was also needed.

Brnabić explained that the organization is another important thing in vaccination, because it is a logistically very difficult process, adding that, with the help of digitalization, success has been achieved and that everything we did in the previous years has paid off.

She stated that Serbia quickly established a system through which citizens could express interest in vaccination against the coronavirus and choose which vaccine they wanted to receive, as well as to be informed by a message when to go and get vaccinated.

Now I can log in on my phone, to see how many people have received the vaccine, how many more have registered, so that the effects of digitalization are obvious. We have made everything very efficient and easy for our citizens, the Prime Minister explained.

Answering the question of what she can tell other countries of the world about how to progress faster, Brnabić said that it is important to invest as much as possible in digitalization and education.

You need to teach children how to think, not what to think. Not all children will become IT experts, but what they can learn is an algorithmic way of thinking and how to make decisions, she said.

The Prime Minister mentioned investing in high-speed internet and providing infrastructure for start-ups as an important thing for progress, because more and more economies will be based on start-ups and innovations, emphasizing that people should be helped to start companies and implement their ideas.

Speaking about social networks, she pointed out that fake news has become the biggest problem on these networks and that it will remain so for some time.

This is the biggest challenge I face as Prime Minister, especially during the corona virus pandemic, she said, adding that social networks are also a great opportunity for politicians to communicate with citizens.
 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, Nikola Selaković, spoke at the Ministerial Conference of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) today and on that occasion sent an invitation to the representatives of the members to gather in Belgrade on 11 and 12 October, when the 60th anniversary of the first Conference of the Non-Aligned Movement held in Belgrade in 1961 will be marked.

Selaković informed the participants of the conference that Serbia would organize this important jubilee of non-aligned countries together with Azerbaijan – which is currently chairing the NAM.

In his address, Selaković reminded that the former Yugoslavia and President Tito, as co-founders of the Movement, gave their contribution to creating a vision of a different world, and that Serbia, as one of the successors of Yugoslavia, is proud of that part of its history.

"The spirit of non-alignment is based on equality, freedom, lasting peace, sovereign equality of states and peaceful cooperation of all peoples, and these values are also woven into the state-building foundations of Serbia", the minister said.

Selaković said that the Non-Aligned Movement throughout its history has been a beacon of freedom to all those who sought the right to existence and prosperity in a world that was often ruled, not by the force of law, but by the law of force. He assessed that even today we find ourselves in times of serious global challenges in which the Movement has the opportunity to reaffirm its libertarian traditions and commitment to a world of equals.

"Serbia, as a militarily neutral and politically independent state, will give its most sincere contribution to such goals of the Movement. We hope that by strengthening mutual ties and cooperation, as a group of states and peoples that share the same values and interests, we will strengthen our common capacity to face the challenges of tomorrow. And the challenges are already before us", Selaković pointed out.

The Minister emphasized that international law should be a pillar of political and security architecture of the world, and added that Serbia respects the commitment of the members of the Movement towards the goals and principles of the UN Charter.

"Many members of this movement are aware that by insisting on international law, they are working in their own favor and in favor of preserving regional and global stability," the minister pointed out.

Selaković also said that the COVID-19 pandemic clearly showed that inequality, lack of solidarity and empathy in the world have become very obvious in the roughest way.

"Serbia is eternally grateful to all the countries which, such as Azerbaijan, helped us in difficult times. We later extended that chain of solidarity by making vaccines available, not only to our citizens, but also to others in the region. We supported our neighbors with the belief that solidarity is the best investment in a common future", the minister concluded.
 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, Nikola Selaković, spoke at the Ministerial Conference of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) today and on that occasion sent an invitation to the representatives of the members to gather in Belgrade on 11 and 12 October, when the 60th anniversary of the first Conference of the Non-Aligned Movement held in Belgrade in 1961 will be marked.

Selaković informed the participants of the conference that Serbia would organize this important jubilee of non-aligned countries together with Azerbaijan – which is currently chairing the NAM.

In his address, Selaković reminded that the former Yugoslavia and President Tito, as co-founders of the Movement, gave their contribution to creating a vision of a different world, and that Serbia, as one of the successors of Yugoslavia, is proud of that part of its history.

"The spirit of non-alignment is based on equality, freedom, lasting peace, sovereign equality of states and peaceful cooperation of all peoples, and these values are also woven into the state-building foundations of Serbia", the minister said.

Selaković said that the Non-Aligned Movement throughout its history has been a beacon of freedom to all those who sought the right to existence and prosperity in a world that was often ruled, not by the force of law, but by the law of force. He assessed that even today we find ourselves in times of serious global challenges in which the Movement has the opportunity to reaffirm its libertarian traditions and commitment to a world of equals.

"Serbia, as a militarily neutral and politically independent state, will give its most sincere contribution to such goals of the Movement. We hope that by strengthening mutual ties and cooperation, as a group of states and peoples that share the same values and interests, we will strengthen our common capacity to face the challenges of tomorrow. And the challenges are already before us", Selaković pointed out.

The Minister emphasized that international law should be a pillar of political and security architecture of the world, and added that Serbia respects the commitment of the members of the Movement towards the goals and principles of the UN Charter.

"Many members of this movement are aware that by insisting on international law, they are working in their own favor and in favor of preserving regional and global stability," the minister pointed out.

Selaković also said that the COVID-19 pandemic clearly showed that inequality, lack of solidarity and empathy in the world have become very obvious in the roughest way.

"Serbia is eternally grateful to all the countries which, such as Azerbaijan, helped us in difficult times. We later extended that chain of solidarity by making vaccines available, not only to our citizens, but also to others in the region. We supported our neighbors with the belief that solidarity is the best investment in a common future", the minister concluded.
 

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic signed today, on behalf of our country, a Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation for the production of the vaccine of the company Sinopharm in Serbia with a Chinese manufacturer and partner from the United Arab Emirates.

Brnabic pointed out that the signing of the Memorandum is the first concrete step towards the construction of a vaccine factory, which should be ready by the end of the year.

We have ambitious goals to build a factory for the production of vaccines by the end of the year, to work on filling in parallel and to have 10 million doses in Serbia by the end of the year, and to start a comprehensive production process soon after, she said.

According to her, today is an important day for Serbia, but also for the region, because we will have the vaccine closer, it will be more accessible and we will be able to continue to fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

As she emphasised, this is the beginning of a wider cooperation between Serbia, China and the UAE in the field of biomedicine, bioinformatics and the use of artificial intelligence in pharmacy.

This is a continuation of the cooperation that we started during the difficult period of the COVID crisis, when we created two laboratories for PCR testing together, stated Brnabic.

She pointed out that the signing of the Memorandum was also the result of the visit of President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic to the UAE in March this year, when an agreement was reached on cooperation in the construction of the factory.

The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to Sinopharm for the cooperation during the COVID crisis, stating that Serbia bought four million vaccines from that company, and that 4.2 million were delivered to us, because 200,000 doses were donated, and some quantities were delivered earlier.

Brnabic once again appealed to the citizens to get vaccinated, emphasizing that Chinese vaccines are excellent, safe and traditional.

Chinese Ambassador to Serbia Chen Bo assessed that the signing of the Memorandum is an important step forward in cooperation on joint production of Chinese vaccine against COVID-19 and a new beginning of cooperation between Serbia and China in the field of pharmaceutical industry.

She also stated that China is trying to fulfil President Xi Jinping's promise that the Chinese vaccine against coronavirus will be a global public product.

As she stated, the Chinese side provided and delivered more than 500 million doses and substances of the vaccine to more than 100 countries and international organizations.

We very much appreciate the fact that the government of Serbia provides assistance to other countries in the region in vaccination, and the Chinese side is ready to make joint efforts with Serbian partners and the UAE in order to build a factory as soon as possible, she said.

According to her, Serbia will not only have enough vaccines for its internal use, but will also be able to provide greater assistance to other countries in the fight against the pandemic.
 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Nikola Selakovic congratulated Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China Wang Yi on the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, emphasizing that he would make personal efforts to further develop Serbian-Chinese cooperation.

“The previous century will be marked in history as a century of extraordinary success of the Communist Party of China, which under the wise guidance of its leaders, continuously striving for the development of socialism with Chinese characteristics, had China rise from a poor country to the second world’s economic power, the most populous nation which has eradicated absolute poverty, drawing strength from patriotism and unity", reads the congratulatory message from Minister Selakovic.

By basing its actions on the principles of justice, while fighting for peace and equality, the Communist Party of China, according to Selakovic, became the inspiration for the success of all freedom-loving movements in the world.

The Head of Serbian diplomacy expressed his belief that in the next century as well, the Communist Party of China would carry the flag of success and be at the front of the fight for ideals of justice, leading China along further paths of development.

Selakovic also stated that every visit to China impressed him in a new way and confirmed that the unity of the people was the strongest driving force leading to the soon realization of the Chinese dream.

Minister Selakovic expressed his belief that, in line with the theoretical thought of President of the People's Republic of China and General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Xi Jinping, China will continue to strengthen to the benefit of all countries across the globe, advocating respect for the principles of international law and the UN Charter, and stand in even more concrete support of all, especially developing countries that are struggling with major challenges on their path of development.

"The bright future of our relations has been paved through the agreements reached and personal friendly ties between the Presidents of our countries who are at the same time the heads of leading political parties in the two countries", Selakovic said.

Dear Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, members of the delegations

I would point to a few ongoing issues in my speech that refer to the competences of the Mechanism, namely, the possibility of serving the sentences passed by the ICTY and Mechanism in the Republic of Serbia, with the current practice of disabling early release of the sentenced persons as well as obligation of the Mechanism regarding protection of sentenced persons.

The second part of the speech will be dedicated to issues that are opened by the six –month Report on the work of the Mechanism by Mechanism President Mr. Agius and Report by the Chief Prosecutor Mr. Serge Brammertz, especially regarding current cooperation of the Republic of Serbia and the Mechanism.

The third part of my speech, and I noticed that in many of your statements even today, is going to be the view of Serbia on everything that took place in The Hague Tribunal and what the Tribunal verdicts brought to people in the region of former Yugoslavia.

The Republic of Serbia has initiated before the Security Council, on several occasions, the issue of possibility of serving sentences passed by the ICTY and Mechanism in the Republic of Serbia. Beside the efforts to move this issue from “square one”, not a single response was obtained from the Security Council. The majority of persons that are serving their prison sentences are citizens of the Republic of Serbia, and it comes naturally that the Republic of Serbia is interested in enabling them to serve their prison sentences in the Republic of Serbia.

ICTY and the Mechanism are making references to the Security Council as an institution in charge of dealing with this issue.

I am ready to reiterate here the readiness of the Republic of Serbia to take over obligations and liability for executing prison sentences that the Tribunal or Mechanism passed on the citizens of the Republic of Serbia, under the monitoring of the Mechanism and full respect for the authority of the Mechanism regarding early release.

Mr. President

A particular problem that we are facing with is disturbance by the judicial institutions established in the territory of Kosovo and Metohija, which is within Serbia and which is under Interim Administration of the UN. We are witnesses of attempts of retrial for two citizens that are serving their prison sentences for which they had already been trialed before the ICTY. More concretely, in previous period there was an attempt for hearing of Nebojša Pavković and for obtaining extradition of Vlastimir Đorđević.

I urge on the Mechanism and Security Council to prevent attempts of violation of the principle ne bis in idem, a civilization principle that was confirmed in Article 7 (1) of the Statute of the Mechanism and to disable retrials for persons already convicted by the ICTY, particularly to make sure that it is not done in the territory which is under interim UN administration.

Mr. President,

President of the Mechanism (Mr. Carmel Agius), apart from the regular Report, delivered also on 11 May 2021 a letter to the President of the Security Council, whose subject is the alleged omission of the Republic of Serbia to apprehend and turn over to the Mechanism Petar Jojić and Vjerica Radeta, indicted of contempt of court, claiming that in this way the Republic of Serbia was acting contrary to its obligations towards the UNSC Resolution 1966 (2010) and asking the Security Council to take measures in order to ensure that Serbia meets the alleged obligations in accordance with the Mechanism Statue and Resolution 1966.

The point of the argumentation of the President of the Mechanism comes to that that the Republic of Serbia has the obligation to deprive of liberty and extradite to the Mechanism its citizens accused of contempt of court, regardless of the nature of accusation, circumstances under which such an order was made and consequences that might result from its implementation.

It is about accusations that do not refer to sever violations of international humanitarian law and that are related to a case before the ICTY, which ended in 2018 (Vojislav Šešelj case), by acquitting the defendant in the first instance, and upon the Prosecutor’s complaint the defendant was declared guilty and sentenced to a 10-year imprisonment, which was covered by the time he spent at the UN Detention Unit.

Judge Agius states that Serbia ignores its obligations in accordance with the Resolution 1966 (2010). Quite the opposite- the Republic of Serbia takes seriously its obligations regarding cooperation with the Mechanism. After the warrant for apprehension and extradition of the two persons accused of contempt of court to the Mechanism had been introduced, the Higher Court in Belgrade established that assumptions for their apprehension and extradition to the Mechanism had not been met. The decision is founded on the rules of international law and domestic law of the Republic of Serbia and it is mandatory for holders of the executive power in the Republic of Serbia.

I would remind here that the first decision of a sole judge (Aydin Sefa Akay, 12 June 2018), that was acting in this case was that the criminal prosecution of V. Radeta and P. Jojić for alleged contempt of court was to be forwarded to the judicial authorities of the Republic of Serbia. In procedures that followed, the argument of the alleged unwillingness of the witnesses to cooperate with the judicial authorities of the Republic of Serbia was stated for the first time, and the decision on deprivation of transferring the case to the jurisdiction of the judicial authorities of the Republic of Serbia was based on the respective argument.

The Republic of Serbia expressed its readiness to take over the court procedure against Petar Jojić and Vjerica Radeta on several occasions and it provided appropriate guarantees. Additionally, the Republic of Serbia fully recognizes and accepts the obligation of the Mechanism to monitor trials that were transferred to national courts with the help of international and regional organizations, as well as to take measures envisaged by Article 6 of the Statute of the Mechanism.

I would remind here that the Republic of Serbia extradited to the tribunal all the persons indicted by the Prosecutor’s Office, and among the respective mostly highest political, military and police officials; it enabled presence of vast number of witnesses, delivered extensive documentation. Obligation of the Mechanism, in accordance with the Resolution of this Security Council, is to take measures that enable transfer of cases to national justice system. In previous practice, 13 cases were transferred to Bosnia and Herzegovina, 2 to Croatia and only one to Serbia.

The last but not the least, I want to remind all of you here of the fact that France- of course as a sovereign and independent country- upon request for apprehension and extradition of Florence Altman for publishing documents and contempt of court, refused the request for extradition, with an explanation that it does not extradite its citizens. For far smaller offence you ask as to extradite our citizens Jojic and Radeta, showing both the distrust to Serbian justice and judiciary and Serbian State, as well as a fact that the rule from ancient Rome is still valid – quod licet lovi non licet bovi.

It does not harm to underline that high-level officers and politicians were not trialed for crimes against Serbs, and that crimes against Serbs remained unsanctioned before ICTY and Mechanism. Let me remind you, just as an example that Ademi and Norac case for ferocious crimes against Serb civilians in Medački Džep was left to Croatian justice institutions. Proven crimes against Serbs, like those of Ramuš Haradinaj, Naser Orić, then Ante Gotovina and other indicted for military operation “Storm” that led to a complete ethnic cleansing of Serb population in the big part of today’s Croatia, resulted before the ICTY in acquittals. Many horrible crimes against Serb civilians that were committed in the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and the Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija, and that resulted in ethnic cleansing, simply were not the subject of interest of the ICTY.

What’s very important and not to leave anything unclear, Serbia is a country that condemns all crimes and all criminals who perpetrated them in the region of former Yugoslavia. However, it is interesting that despite often criticism Serbia is the only one that speaks openly and condemns crimes perpetrated by Serb nationals, while in other regional countries they do not speak at all about crimes that representatives of those nations committed against members of Serbian people.

And I want to emphasize once again here in front of you that Serbia condemns terrible crime in Srebrenica and extends its deepest condolences to the families of all killed in that massacre. And there are no “buts” about the respective.

Nevertheless, we are here to analyze results and penal policy of ICTY and the Mechanism and it was such that it has never gained trust among Serbian people, no matter where they live. And not because we Serbs do not acknowledge crime committed by some of our compatriots, but because The Hague Tribunal, with exceptions, was judging only to Serbs and in all three territories of former Yugoslavia- Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo and Metohija, which some of the SC Member States see and name of course, contrary to law and legal norms and UN Resolutions, as an independent state. I would try to plastically prove to you how The Hague justice was tailored even though I know that it will not come to understanding of many of you, but to me it is important because of the history, facts, and school books that will be made in accordance with the facts.

Namely, Serbs were sentenced to totally 1138 years of imprisonment, and to 8 life imprisonments. At the same time, The Hague Tribunal did not sentence a single Croat for crimes against Serbs, neither in actions Medački Džep, nor Flash and Storm. How politically cunning it was done in the Tribunal, and all wrapped in the form of law and justice. Prosecutors of The Hague Tribunal chose on purpose three military and political leaders of Croats, Bosniac Muslims and Albanians, on all three mentioned territories, committed against Serbs. – Ante Gotovina, Naser Orić and Ramuš Haradinaj. It is interesting that following the same pattern, the same pattern, this injustice was shared. Namely, all of them were sentenced in the first instance procedure, with the exception of Ramuš Haradinaj, because not a single witness survived. Gotovina was sentenced to 24 years’ imprisonment in first-instance procedure, while by a mysterious decision of the second instance council and 3:2 judge ratio, the verdict was changed to acquittal. Naser Orić, for crimes against Serbs, was also sentenced in first instance verdict, but by a mysterious decision of the second instance court, and again 3:2 ratio decision was an acquittal and he was set free of any liability. Let me reiterate, all witnesses in process against Ramus Haradinaj, either committed suicide or were killed under very, very strange circumstances.

Let me conclude, I do not want to believe that someone wants to say that there had been no crimes against Serbs, but judging by the verdicts of The Hague Tribunal, no one- absolutely no one- is responsible for those crimes.

Nevertheless, we in Serbia will show responsibility and we will fight for peace, stability and reconciliation in the region.

We ask UN Security Council Member States to help us with rational and pragmatic approach and respect for international law and not by attempts of further humiliation of Serbia. Serbia is a small country, with proud and courageous people, the one that gave the biggest sacrifice during the WWI and WWII; people who wants to leave in peace with their neighbors. And when I am asking you for this, I do not think I am asking for too much.

At the very end, Serbia is the fastest growing country of the Western Balkans region and we cannot progress unless our relations with neighbors, friends and other countries are good, solid and better. That is why- despite the selective justice that was applied in The Hague Tribunal- we will be open for any dialogue, any kind of cooperation and we will look towards the future and not towards the past. And I have only one message for the citizens of Serbia and citizens of Serbian nationality in the entire region- keep your heads up, neither Serbia nor Serbian people are convicted of anything and it is up to us to work even more diligently, to open factories and to fight for our children and our future.

Long Live Serbia!

President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić met today with the delegation of the Shandong Hi-Speed Group headed by the Executive Director Meng Yan and the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China, Chen Bo, to discuss the undergoing projects and potentials and plans for future cooperation.

President Vučić thanked the representatives of the company for the exceptional cooperation and emphasised that the development of infrastructure in Serbia remains one of the priorities whose implementation greatly contributes to the general growth of the economy and the inflow of investments into the country.

In that context, the interlocutors paid special attention to the project of building the Valjevo-Lajkovac expressway, as one of the most important segments on Corridor 11. The Executive Director of Shandong Hi-Speed Group, Meng Yan, promised that the works on this section will be completed by the end of November 2022, which is more than a year earlier than expected.

Shandong Hi-Speed Group has also expressed interest in the 110-kilometre Belgrade (Borča) -Zrenjanin and Zrenjanin-Novi Sad highway construction project, as well as in the bypass construction projects around Gornji Milanovac, Požega and Užice of which separate talks will be conducted.

Assessing the cooperation with the Chinese company as exceptional, the President especially thanked Ambassador Chen Bo for her great commitment to deepening and strengthening cooperation between Serbia and the People's Republic of China, and for her readiness to always make additional efforts for the largest and most demanding infrastructure projects in Serbia to obtain the highest quality implementation by top Chinese experts and contractors.
 

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic and Chinese Ambassador to Serbia Chen Bo welcomed a new batch of Chinese Sinopharm vaccines this morning at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport.

During the reception of the plane, which brought half a million doses of this vaccine, Brnabic stated that 4.2 million doses of the Chinese vaccine have been delivered to Serbia so far.

She pointed out that the last delivery of Sinopharm vaccines under the contract arrived today, which is a total of four million doses of vaccines that have been brought from China and delivered in eight flights from January until now.

The Prime Minister also mentioned that the Chinese Army donated another 200,000 doses of that vaccine, and stated that 45.3 percent of the adult population in Serbia has been vaccinated so far.

The Prime Minister underlined that the company Sinopharm showed reliability that no one could have expected in difficult times and circumstances.

However, Brnabic stated that the number of those vaccinated is still not enough to reach herd immunity, which is why she called on citizens, and especially young people, to come and be vaccinated in order to end the pandemic as soon as possible.

She expressed gratitude to the Chinese partners because they delivered four million vaccines in the shortest possible time, as well as to the Chinese Army on the donation.

Even if we do not get any other vaccine, at this moment in Serbia we have enough to vaccinate 3,115,000 citizens and thus be practically safe. Serbia has no problems with vaccines, and we expect deliveries from other manufacturers to arrive, Brnabic said.

The Prime Minister pointed out that Serbia's cooperation with China can be seen in the fact that this is the eighth flight to deliver vaccines, stating that since the beginning of the pandemic, our country has welcomed another 58 planes that brought medical equipment donated by China and Chinese companies.

In addition, three more freight trains delivered everything we bought from China during the pandemic. This shows the partnership, strong ties, seriousness and credibility of our relations, and I thank Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Government of that country and Ambassador to Serbia Chen Bo. Serbia will never forget this, the Prime Minister declared.

The Chinese Ambassador said that she is happy that the last half a million doses of the Sinopharm vaccine arrived and noted that Serbia and China are steel friends and partners in the fight against the coronavirus.

According to her, the Chinese company Sinopharm complied with all contractual obligations and delivered all quantities within the deadline agreed by the two parties.

This fully shows that China and Serbia are steel friends and partners in critical situations. We will continue our cooperation in the field of procurement of vaccines and joint fight against the epidemic, Chen Bo concluded.
 

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Nikola Selakovic met today with Ambassador of the People's Republic of China Chen Bo.

Minister Selakovic said that Serbia was proud of the traditional friendship with China and the constant deepening of relations in all areas, which, as he emphasized, was raised to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership during the historic visit of the Chinese President to Serbia. He pointed out that the relationship between the two Presidents, Xi and Vucic, greatly contributed to that.

The Minister expressed satisfaction with the fact that we were continuously witnessing the iron-clad friendship between Serbia and China in our cooperation, which, as he emphasized, was further galvanized in the last year during the pandemic.

In addition to providing assistance in medical equipment, laboratories and experiences of Chinese experts, China's assistance to Serbia has continued through support for immunization of our population, that is, the delivery of the vaccine of the Chinese company "Sinopharm", for which we are especially grateful, especially to President Xi, at a time when all countries in the world are struggling and facing difficulties in procuring vaccines, Minister Selakovic said.

Furthermore, Selakovic pointed out that he was very glad for and extremely proud of the agreement between Serbia, China and the United Arab Emirates on the construction of a factory for the production of vaccines by the Chinese company Sinopharm in Serbia.

Minister Selakovic also noted with pleasure the excellent cooperation between the two countries at the multilateral level, especially mutual support in international organizations.

China is one of our main pillars in the fight for Kosovo and Metohija, Selakovic said and expressed gratitude to China for its principled support and respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Serbia.

The Minister emphasized that Serbia strongly supported the policy of "one China" and was consistently committed to respecting international law and adhering to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other states.

The Head of Serbian diplomacy also expressed satisfaction over the fact that excellent political relations and strategic partnership were reflected in the strengthening of economic cooperation between the two countries.

China is the most important trading partner of Serbia in Asia and the third in terms of the total exchange of Serbia with the world, the Minister pointed out and specified that, owing to the "Belt and Road" and "17 + 1" formats, economic cooperation has tripled in the previous five years.

Serbia's exports to China have increased 15 times in the last five years, Selakovic said, adding that every effort would be made to further strengthen cooperation in this area, to which the participation of Serbia in the upcoming China-CEEC EXPO in Ningbo would significantly contribute. He also expressed satisfaction with the growth of Serbian exports to China in the first three months of this year and the real possibility that trade exchange would exceed four billion euros this year.

We are also glad about the planned opening of the Chinese Cultural Center in Belgrade by the end of the year, Selakovic said, recalling that that the foundation stone was laid during the visit by Chinese President Xi to Belgrade in June 2016. He expressed hope that this and other projects we were working on together, whose realization was expected in the coming months, were an opportunity for the realization of the second visit by President Xi to Serbia, which, as he emphasized, would be one of the biggest events and honours for our country and our people.

The Minister noted that our country also attached great importance to the development of cooperation in the field of science and technology, and that the project of the Serbian-Chinese Industrial Park in Borca was of special importance in the period ahead.

Selakovic informed the Ambassador about the first electronic service being provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs "e-Consulate", intended for foreign citizens, which would facilitate and speed up the submission of applications for work visas. Bearing in mind that Chinese citizens were by far the most interested in this type of visa, with 9516 requests, the Minister pointed out that this electronic service was important both for Serbia and for numerous workers and engineers from China who were hired to perform works on infrastructure in our country.
 

A new service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs "e-Consulate" was presented in Belgrade today, intended for foreign citizens who apply for a visa and aspire to come to Serbia to work.

On that occasion, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Nikola Selakovic said that this service was one of the indicators of good development of our country, which, as he pointed out, was becoming a magnet for serious foreign companies, which brought a large number of workers from other countries to work in Serbia.

"Not to be pretentious, but completely realistic, this service represents a turning point in the functioning of our system. E-Consulate and digitalization of the procedure for issuing work visas for foreign citizens who want to work in Serbia, is the first electronic service offered by the Foreign Ministry, and I can promise you that this is indeed our first, but by no means the last e-service", Selakovic emphasized.

The Head of Serbian diplomacy pointed out that "e-Consulate" reflected the modernization of an extremely important segment of the activities of diplomatic and consular missions of Serbia, and that we were actually talking about something that was essential for the further development processes of our country.

The Minister recalled that, when the President of the Republic visited the construction site of the Moravian Corridor, he was told that some construction works were delayed because Bechtel company was not issued work visas on time.

“The moment we saw that and heard the President, I alerted the services in the Ministry. We were surprised, as we knew that the issuance of visas in Turkey had a good dynamic, and then we determined that it was actually workers from Bangladesh who applied for a visa through our Embassy in India, where we have a problem with staff shortage”, the Minister explained.

As he added, this is a demanding and laborious task, each of our employees had to receive the documentation on paper, check it, then request additional information, and only then forward it.

"Today, this has been fantastically perfected for our consular officers, all that documentation is submitted in electronic form. We used to have two filters to check the documentation, now we actually have three. And the work is significantly more efficient", Selakovic pointed out.

As he emphasized, this is a service which was promised less than four months ago and it becomes available on Monday, in 95 diplomatic and consular missions of Serbia, i.e. in all our embassies and consulates general.

The biggest result of that endeavor, the Minister pointed out, apart from the advantage it would bring in the future work, was the fact that it was not a project of one state body, but a joint endeavor of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, IT and eGovernment Office, General Secretariat of the Government, Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of Labor, Employment, Veterans and Social Affairs, National Employment Service.

“We did an extremely good job in record time. This is to the pride of our Ministry, to the pride of the entire state. I am convinced that in the period ahead, we will further modernize our affairs and make Serbia one of the few countries that has such mechanisms and such state-of-the-art provision of consular services", Selakovic said.

Speaking about the "e-Consulate" portal itself, the Minister explained that there is a cartoon of Nikola Tesla and the building of the old railway station with one crane, which actually symbolizes a historical fact - that Tesla was in Belgrade in the year when it was built.

"Today it is the place behind which the Belgrade of the future is rising, and what we managed to do together is an indicator of something that is the future of Serbia, the development of artificial intelligence, IT and creating conditions for more people to live and arrive here in Serbia in the future seeking good life and employment", concluded the Minister.

The Director of the Office for IT and eGovernment, Mihailo Jovanovic, said that this was the first time that e-services were focused on foreign citizens, which was the case with our citizens so far.

In the period from 1 January 2019 to 17 May this year, the most applications for Serbian visas were submitted at the Embassy in Beijing, 6,766 applications, then in New Delhi - 2,973, Shanghai 2,115, Tokyo 1,798, and Cairo 1,756.

In that period, 1,270 requests were submitted in Algiers, 1,095 in Jakarta, and 1,077 in Beirut.

In terms of their nationality, Serbian D visa for employment is most requested by citizens of China - 9,516 applications, followed by India 1,955, and Ukraine - 673.

Embassy of the Republic of Serbia has begun implementing an online application for visa D for applicants who are planning to stay in Serbia on the basis of employment.
Application can be subbmited through the link https://econsulate.gov.rs/
It is necessary to register and apply for a visa for each person individually.  After submitting the online request, the applicants are obliged to complete the applications and in hard copy together with passport  to send it to the address of the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia as usual.
Please note that the link for applying for visa D, for aplicants who are planning to stay in Serbia on the basis of employment, can also be found on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia https://www.mfa.gov.rs   

President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić met today with the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China, Chen Bo, to discuss strategic cooperation between the two countries, as well as the existing and new infrastructure projects.

President Vučić pointed out the exceptional dynamics in the cooperation between Serbia and China, based on mutual trust and respect, as well as on a stable economy and strategic planning aimed at long-term projects at the national and regional levels. The President especially pointed out that the friendship between the two countries is based on consistent respect for the territorial integrity of Serbia and the policy of "one China", as well as on the fight to preserve the principles of international law, which is crucial for maintaining global stability.

President Vučić noted that China is the third-largest trade partner of Serbia and that the investments of this country in Serbia are recording constant and strong growth. The interlocutors also discussed details related to the commercial contract for the construction of the highway section from Požega to Boljare, which is an exceptional challenge for builders as it will be 107 kilometres long and will have 97 bridges and a large number of tunnels, which makes it extremely demanding.

President Vučić and Ambassador Chen also discussed new infrastructure projects such as the construction of Sector C of the Belgrade bypass on the E-70/E-75 highway on the section Bubanj Potok-Vinča-Pančevo, as well as the construction of the Požarevac-Gradište-Golubac corridor. The interlocutors also discussed the status of works on a large number of ongoing infrastructure projects. The President particularly expressed the expectation that after the already successfully accomplished large projects, there will be new investments such as projects of HBIS in Smederevo, Zidjin in Bor, Shangdong Linglong in Zrenjanin, Mint Automotive in Loznica and Mei Ta in Obrenovac.

A special topic of conversation was one of the largest communal infrastructure projects for revitalization and construction of a sewerage network with a wastewater treatment plant in 65 local governments in Serbia, which will significantly respond to environmental challenges, but also improve the quality of life of Serbian citizens.

Ambassador Chen stated that the exceptional cooperation between Serbia and the People's Republic of China will continue at an even more intensive pace and that the focus of both countries will remain on the fight against the pandemic and economic growth, as well as on infrastructural and economic connections through a number of initiatives and projects.

President Vučić once again thanked Ambassador Chen Bo for her readiness to regularly discuss further improvement of cooperation between Serbia and China, as well as for her country's great help in the most difficult times for Serbia, emphasising the fact that the People's Republic of China has delivered 3 million vaccines of the company "Sinopharm", with which our country managed to immunise a large number of citizens and save many lives.

The President also expressed confidence that the President and great friend of our country Xi Jinping will visit Serbia again as soon as conditions allow, and that this visit will once again confirm the strength of friendship and mutual respect between Serbia and the People's Republic of China.
 

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic and Chinese Ambassador to Serbia Chen Bo attended today at the Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport the reception of an airplane carrying a new batch of half a million doses of the coronavirus vaccine of the Chinese producer Sinopharm.

Brnabic stated on this occasion that the newly-arrived Sinopharm vaccines will help Serbia to accelerate the mass vaccination process and inoculate over 37 percent of its population by the end of April.

She stated that with today's consignment, a total of three million doses of the Chinese vaccine have been delivered to our country, which enabled mass immunisation. Brnabic added that a total of over 4.5 million doses of all brands of vaccines have been delivered so far to Serbia.

The Prime Minister pointed out that to date, approximately 1,950,000 citizens have received the first dose of the coronavirus vaccine, which is 34 percent of adult citizens..

Brnabic said that Belgrade is the most successful in the mass immunisation process, stating that 61 percent of adults have been vaccinated with the first dose in the municipality of Stari Grad, 60 percent in the municipality of Savski Venac, and 59 percent in the municipality of Vracar.

We must speed up vaccination in other parts of Serbia in order to be fully safe at the end of June, she said and appealed to citizens who have not been vaccinated not to believe false news and anti-vaccination campaigns, which, as she stated, are being spread especially on social networks.

We have 1,950,000 citizens vaccinated with the first dose, of whom the largest number received the Sinopharm vaccine, of which was the greatest amount. What we see now as the calming down of the situation, the reduction in the number of those infected, primarily in Belgrade, is first and foremost thanks to the Chinese vaccine, the Prime Minister pointed out.

The Chinese Ambassador expressed her satisfaction with the fact that Chinese vaccines, of which three million doses have been delivered so far, contribute to the mass vaccination in Serbia.

President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić talked today via a video link with the representatives of the delegation of the International Monetary Fund led by the Head of the Mission, Jan Kees Martijn. The interlocutors concluded that Serbia's main goal remains to preserve the hard-earned reputation of a fiscally secure country, as well as to continue with a responsible fiscal policy so that public debt does not exceed 60 per cent of GDP, whereby Serbia continues to work on further economic growth.

During the conversation, President Vučić and Jan Kees Martijn especially referred to the incentive measures and adopted three packages of measures to help the economy and citizens, which preserved macroeconomic stability and even achieved a higher employment rate. Martijn commended the responsible economic policy of Serbia and the successful crisis management during the pandemic.

"Serbia achieved one of the best results last year despite the challenges of the pandemic", Martijn said, noting that Serbia was one of the few countries to which the IMF did not adjust the initial projection of the 5% growth rate it gave last year.

President Vučić added that following the first quarter of 2021, Serbia is well on its way to achieving the planned growth of 6% as planned, since one of the main focuses of the Government is investing in large infrastructure projects and intensifying work on attracting foreign direct investments.

"In 2020, Serbia was at the very top in terms of economic growth in Europe, and I am convinced that this year we can enter the first three or four countries in terms of growth", said President Vučić, adding that he was satisfied that Serbia still, despite the pandemic situation, has an extremely strong inflow of investment.

President Vučić and Jan Kees Martijn also discussed a new advisory arrangement, which is of special importance in light of the improvement of the general investment climate in Serbia, as well as in the context of even greater investor assurance.

"Given Serbia's tremendous progress over the past eight years, the priority goal of this arrangement will be to preserve the results achieved, but also to provide support for further implementation of structural reforms aimed at even faster, stronger and more sustainable growth", said President Vučić and thanked the IMF and the personal engagement of Jan Kees Martijn in the professional and expert support that Serbia is counting on.

President Vučić pointed out that Serbia will pay special attention to reforms in public companies, and that priorities will continue to be investments in infrastructure, creating an even better climate for investments, greater investments in the environment, science and capital projects, which will further contribute to the long term stable financial growth in the coming years.
 

President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić met today with the Regional Director of the World Health Organisation for Europe Hans Kluge, to discuss cooperation in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as cooperation in improving health care in our country and other joint activities.

President Vučić thanked Dr Kluge for his personal engagement and support during the current pandemic, especially for technical assistance and expertise. On this occasion, he informed the WHO official about the results of immunisation in Serbia and plans on how to provide the vaccine to all citizens who want to get it.

Dr Kluge congratulated President Vučić on his leadership and personal commitment to provide vaccines. He emphasised that Serbia, with its good immunisation strategy, ranked among the global leaders, thus becoming an example of humanity and solidarity by enabling vaccination of elderly people in rural areas, foreign citizens and donating vaccines to other countries.

"Serbia has accepted the vaccine as a life-saving product and has not looked at it geopolitically", said Dr Kluge.
 
The two interlocutors agreed that the world should increase production capacities for vaccines, as well as develop new adequate therapies for the fight against COVID-19, and, in this regard, work on increasing the level of citizens' trust in science.

President Vučić informed Dr Kluge about the plans for improving the work of the Institute for Virology, Vaccines and Sera "Torlak".

"We want to make 'Torlak' one of the best vaccine factories in Europe", said President Vučić.
 

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic talked today with World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director for Europe Hans Kluge about the epidemiological situation and the course of immunisation of citizens in Serbia.

Brnabic expressed gratitude for the cooperation in the fight against the pandemic, technical assistance and expertise, emphasising that the support of this organisation is very important for our country.

She informed the WHO Regional Director for Europe about the course of immunisation of citizens in Serbia, expressing her belief that, thanks to the large number of vaccinated people, we will be able to create collective immunity and return to normal life.

Kluge assessed the immunisation process in Serbia as impressive, and added that Serbia has made a good decision to offer citizens all available vaccines used in the fight against coronavirus.

Expressing concern over the emergence of new strains of the virus, he stressed the need to speed up the immunisation process and show mutual solidarity.

The WHO Regional Director for Europe praised Serbia for the humanity it has shown by donating vaccines to the countries of the region and enabling vaccination for those who do not have a sufficient number of vaccines for their citizens.

The Prime Minister said that Serbia will continue to cooperate with the countries of the region and help in accordance with its capabilities.

When it comes to the project "Roadmap for Health in the Western Balkans 2021-2025", it was stated that, if epidemiological conditions allow, a regional meeting will be held in Belgrade at the end of the year, important for future improvement of cooperation between countries in the field of health challenges.
 

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia Nikola Selakovic stated today that Pristina further persisted in its campaign of hatred against the Serbian people, which was most drastically seen in the unfounded accusations of mass rapes and genocide.

At the UN Security Council meeting discussing the Report of the UN Secretary-General on the work of UNMIK, Selakovic emphasized that the efforts of the provisional institutions in Kosovo and Metohija to create a narrative about mass rapes of Albanian women were obvious, and that propaganda methods and lies were used for that purpose.

"It is clear that there were victims on all sides in the conflict, as well as that our side has evidence of numerous Serb victims. But the precondition for ensuring the protection of rights that belong to each individual victim is a rational and well-argued approach", Selakovic said responding to the slander of the Pristina representative.

Selakovic underlined that, contrary to the claims of politicians from Pristina about 20,000 raped Albanian women, the information provided by the Commission for the Verification and Recognition of Sexual Violence Victim Status indicates 912 raped persons, however, failing to include in this number the Serb women who were victims of violence.

"Let me emphasize that Serbia condemns every act of sexual violence in conflicts and is committed to achieving justice for all victims. The number of victims certainly does not diminish the horrific effect of this type of violence on each victim individually, but also, speculating on numbers does not contribute to justice being served and leads to politicization and slowing down the reconciliation process", Selakovic said.

Regarding the genocide accusations, Minister Selakovic stated that they only went to prove that Pristina further persisted in its campaign of hatred, propaganda and open hostility towards the Serbian people.

"Through statements given on a daily basis, they attempt to paint a picture that Serbia is to blame for everything and that genocide was committed against Albanians, all in order to hide their own responsibility for the committed crimes", the Serbian Foreign Minister said. 

He underlined that anyone who knew what the definition of genocide implied would understand that it was not Serbia that committed something, but that the Serbian people was instead a victim of the "state-building" project of the Kosovo Albanians, based on the dangerous idea of ethnically clean territories, as evidenced by more than 200,000 expelled Serbs from Kosovo and Metohija.

"We are convinced that the civilized world will not agree to be their accomplice in concealing and covering up their crimes, and that a clear message will be sent to them that they must take responsibility for their actions", Selakovic said.
He reminded that until 1999, around 40,000 Serbs lived in Pristina, and that today there were only about twenty of them, that around 17,000 Serbs lived in Pec, and that today there were only the Serbian nuns in the Patriarchate of Pec, that around 12,000 Serbs lived in Prizren before the war, and that today only 17 families remained there, and that in Urosevac, out of 10,000 Serbs who lived there before the war, only the family of a Serbian priest remained.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia Nikola Selakovic warned, at the United Nations Security Council meeting, that the political extremism among Albanians in Kosovo and Metohija was not decreasing, but on the contrary, was becoming stronger.

At the meeting discussing the Report of the UN Secretary-General on the work of UNMIK, Minister Selakovic recalled that the obligation to form the Community of Serb Municipalities  remained unfulfilled for 2,917 days now and that, in fact, 19 April marked eight full years since the agreement was reached in Brussels, while Pristina still refused to follow up on its commitment and enable the formation of the Community of Serb Municipalities. 

The Minister reminded that the current Prime Minister of the provisional institutions of self-government in Pristina repeatedly threatened to unite the self-proclaimed Kosovo and Albania, and that he also stated that the dialogue with Belgrade was low on the list of his priorities.

Minister Selakovic pointed out that it was high time for Albanian leaders in Pristina to show responsibility in fulfilling their commitments, but also a sincere commitment to reaching a compromise solution and building mutual trust.

"Serbia is determined and will not give up on identifying a compromise solution, which will be sustainable for future generations as well. The only way to build lasting peace and stability in our region is by working to build trust and insisting on positive political agendas", Selakovic concluded.

According to the Minister, lasting peace and stability can only be achieved if none of the participants in the dialogue pursued maximalist demands and insisted on the complete humiliation of the other.

He pointed out that the Serbian and Albanian peoples, as the two most numerous peoples in the Western Balkans, needed to find a way to reach reconciliation and a basis for cooperation, both in terms of the economy and in achieving shared prospects for membership of the European Union.

"Belgrade has made sincere steps in that direction, by being one of the initiators of the idea of relaxing the flow of people, goods, capital and services, popularly referred to as "mini-Schengen", the Minister underlined.

Pointing out that Serbia had time and time again demonstrated its commitment to dialogue as the only way towards a peaceful, political solution to the problem in Kosovo and Metohija, Selakovic underscored that the recent elections in the Province confirmed that political extremism among Albanians in Kosovo and Metohija was not decreasing, but on the contrary, was becoming stronger, which could be seen during the recent pre-election process.
Minister stressed that political pressures on Serbs continued even after the election process was completed, by denying Serbs fair representation in provisional institutions as the new so-called government in Pristina decided to assign only one ministry to the Serb community.

"Serb returnees represent a particularly vulnerable category, who spend their every day in fear of being attacked. I remind you that the southern Serbian province is still an area with the lowest return rate of displaced persons in the world", the Minister said and emphasized that, in the last year alone, more than 80 attacks and incidents took place in our southern province, targeting Serbs, their property and religious sites.

It is particularly worrying for the Serbian people in Kosovo and Metohija, Selakovic noted, that in the previous period, and especially in March this year, there were frequent physical attacks on the property of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

"A striking example of the disrespectful attitude towards Serbian cultural and religious monuments in the Province, whose exceptional universal value UNESCO confirmed by inscribing them on the World Heritage List, is the case of the Visoki Decani Monastery", the Minister underlined.

Furthermore, the Serbian Foreign Minister assessed as concerning the breaking into the Health Center in Strpce by police inspectors and officers, in January this year, who conducted a search aiming to discover Covid-19 vaccines there, originating from central Serbia.

"Although we consider this to be an intrusion into a health care institution, our reaction was restrained this time as well. We did not want our decisions to cause escalation and politicization of activities that are solely aimed at protecting public health. We organized the vaccination of citizens from Kosovo and Metohija at three locations in central Serbia and thus clearly demonstrated that people's lives are the top priority to us", the Minister stressed.

Minister Selakovic stated that Serbia highly valued the activities of UNMIK mission in Kosovo and Metohija and that it supported it in carrying out its work as efficiently as possible and undiminished in scope, aiming to build and preserve security in the Province.

Selakovic said that the international missions in Kosovo and Metohija - UNMIK, KFOR, EULEX and the OSCE mission, under the administration of the United Nations and in line with UNSC Resolution 1244, played a key role in the preservation of peace and protection of the population.

"We support and respect their engagement and efforts made in the framework of their mandates, with the common goal of creating conditions for a peaceful and safe coexistence of the inhabitants of Kosovo and Metohija. The Serb and other non-Albanian population in Kosovo and Metohija have the utmost confidence in the international presence and consider it a guarantor of security and a barrier against the arbitrariness of the provisional institutions in Pristina", the Minister emphasized.

He said that this demonstrated the need that international missions remain engaged in an undiminished scope, in order to consistently implement UNSC Resolution 1244.

Selakovic further emphasized the importance of KFOR international forces and pointed out that any unilateral attempt to assign to someone else or that someone else assumes a part of KFOR's mandate and responsibilities constitutes a violation of UNSC Resolution 1244.

The Minister also noted as unacceptable the unilateral decisions on the formation of the Pristina "Ministry of Defence" and launching the process of transforming the so-called "Kosovo Security Forces" (KSF) into the so-called "Kosovo Army". 

At the beginning of his statement, Minister Selakovic lodged a protest against the abuse of the video format of the session by the representative of Pristina as she had a flag of the self-proclaimed "Kosovo" placed behind her, and the representative of Russia did the same.

Below is an integral version of the speech of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikola Selakovic

Distinguished President of the Security Council,

Distinguished Special Representative,

Esteemed members of the Security Council,

At the outset, I have no choice but to lodge a protest against the abuse of the video format of this session on the part of the representatives of Pristina in order to promote the symbols of the so-called statehood of Kosovo. Despite the fact that the representatives of Pristina were warned on several occasions, including by the President of the Security Council at the previous session, that such abuses of Security Council sessions are absolutely unacceptable and constitute a flagrant violation of the Security Council rules on participation of representatives of the provisional institutions of self-government in Pristina, under Rule 39 of the UN Security Council Rules of Procedure, we are again faced with their reckless disregard for the rules of this distinguished body. Let me reiterate our call for the necessary steps to be taken to prevent such abuses.

It is my great pleasure to address this august body at the meeting on the work of the Mission of the United Nations in Kosovo and Metohija. At the outset, I would like to thank Secretary-General of the United Nations Mr. Guterres and Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMIK Mr. Tanin for the report submitted and for their efforts made towards the implementation of the UNMIK mandate, and also to the members of the Security Council for the continued attention they have devoted to the issue of Kosovo and Metohija. The Republic of Serbia highly values the activities of the Mission of the United Nations in Kosovo and Metohija and supports it in carrying out its work as efficiently as possible and undiminished in scope, aiming to build and preserve security in the Province.

Mr. President,

In the previous period we have faced political instability in Kosovo and Metohija. We recently had elections in the Province, which unfortunately confirmed that political extremism among Albanians in Kosovo and Metohija is not decreasing, but on the contrary, is becoming stronger. We have witnessed Albanian leaders competing among themselves in efforts to find the best way to provoke an incident in Serb communities, in order to score political points of the Albanian electorate. Under the pretext of amending the voter list, a large number of Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija were deprived of one of their fundamental political rights - the opportunity to elect their political representatives. Out of approximately 140,000 of citizens of Kosovo and Metohija who were removed from the voter list in the latest election process, 85% are Serbs.

Despite numerous challenges and problems, the Serbian people in Kosovo and Metohija have shown, by high turnout and a convincing victory of the Serb List which won all ten seats reserved for Serbian representatives, that nothing can stop them from resolutely defending their position. Political pressures on Serbs continued even after the election process was completed, by denying Serbs fair representation in provisional institutions as the new so-called government in Pristina decided to assign only one ministry to the Serb community.

Distinguished members of the Security Council,

Unfortunately, it was not only during the election activities that we witnessed the unreasonable anti-Serb policy being pursued by the provisional institutions in Pristina. This goes to the length of breaking into the Health Center in Strpce, in the south of Kosovo and Metohija, by police inspectors and officers from Pristina, in  January this year, who conducted a search aiming to discover Covid-19 vaccines there, originating from central Serbia, which they did not find. In doing so they demonstrated force and threatened to arrest the director of the Health Center, medical staff and doctors. At a time when the whole world is fighting the pandemic with vaccines being the only way to end this challenge, while Serbia is showing support and solidarity by donating vaccines and medical equipment to all in need in the region, Pristina wants to destroy vaccines only because they originate from central Serbia. As the whole world expresses gratitude to medical doctors, who have made great and heroic sacrifices in combating the virus, the provisional institutions in Pristina are attacking Serbian doctors for doing their job.

Although we believe that intrusions into health care institutions are inadmissible, our reaction was restrained this time as well. We did not want our decisions to cause escalation and politicization of activities that are solely aimed at protecting public health. We organized the vaccination of citizens from Kosovo and Metohija at three locations in central Serbia and thus clearly demonstrated that people's lives are the top priority to us. Serbia continues to be ready to help all in need of assistance, and we call for reason and responsibility, especially in such difficult times.

Mr. President,

Attacks targeting Serbs and their property have been on the rise. In the last year alone, more than 80 attacks and incidents took place in our southern province, targeting Serbs, their property and religious sites. According to the information provided by the OSCE Mission in Kosovo and Metohija, in the second half of last year, the number of incidents increased by more than 30% compared to 2019. Therefore, we cannot agree with the assessment that the "security situation in Kosovo remained stable, with a few incidents reported affecting non-majority communities". Last weekend, for example, an entirely unprovoked physical attack by a group of Albanians on two Serb young men took place in the northern part of Kosovska Mitrovica.

Serb returnees represent a particularly vulnerable category, who spend their every day in fear of being attacked. The fact that one family of returnees was the target of seven attacks clearly indicates the persistence of those who do not want Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija. There is absolutely no trace of political will in Pristina for 212,995 displaced Serbs who have been living outside Kosovo and Metohija for 22 years to return to their homes. Since 1999, the rate of sustainable return of internally displaced persons in Kosovo and Metohija has been only 1.9%, which according to the UN data is officially the lowest percentage of return of expelled population after a conflict anywhere in the world.

At the same time, while arresting internally displaced persons, Pristina authorities are exerting the strongest of pressures on the Specialist Chambers in The Hague. The aim is to completely prevent the further processing of a number of cases against members of the terrorist KLA, on charges of serious crimes committed during the conflict in Kosovo and Metohija against both Serbs and persons belonging to other nationalities. President of the Specialist Chambers Madam Trendafilova recently warned that, should the pressures continue, this would have very dramatic consequences to the trials in progress. President Trendafilova underlined as highly problematic the phenomenon of witness intimidation, who are key for conducting proceedings successfully and rendering a proper verdict.

Although the wait to raise indictments was far too long, we consider it commendable that efforts have finally been made to punish the perpetrators of numerous serious crimes which were committed during the armed conflicts a little over two decades ago, but also upon the arrival of the international forces to Kosovo and Metohija. For example, no one has been held accountable to this day for the killings and abductions of 17 journalists in Kosovo and Metohija, which is currently the largest number of unsolved cases of murdered and kidnapped journalists in Europe. Furthermore, the perpetrators of any of the mass crimes committed against Serb civilians after 1999 have not been brought to justice. I will remind you of only a few of these cases: 14 Serb farmers were killed in the village of Staro Gracko, 12 displaced Serbs were killed and 43 wounded in the attack on the "Niš Express" bus in Livadice near Podujevo, and in Gorazdevac near Pec unknown persons fired automatic weapons on children who were swimming in the Bistrica river. Two Serb children were killed then, and four were seriously injured.

We expect the EULEX Mission to continue to support the Specialist Chambers and the Specialist Prosecutor's Office, as well as its additional engagement in the field of the rule of law. Special attention needs to be devoted to witness protection, and determining the fate of missing persons.

International missions in Kosovo and Metohija - UNMIK, KFOR EULEX and OMIK are an integral part of the international civilian and security presence in our southern province, under the administration of the United Nations and in line with UNSC Resolution 1244 (1999), and play a key role and make an outstanding contribution to the preservation of peace and protection of the population. We support and respect their engagement and efforts made in the framework of their mandates, with the common goal of creating conditions for a peaceful and safe coexistence of the inhabitants of Kosovo and Metohija. The Serb and other non-Albanian population in Kosovo and Metohija have the utmost confidence in the international presence and consider it a guarantor of security and a barrier against the arbitrariness of the provisional institutions in Pristina. This further demonstrates the need that international missions remain engaged in an undiminished scope, in order to consistently implement UNSC Resolution 1244.

I would like to further emphasize the importance of KFOR international forces and point out that any unilateral attempt to assign to someone else or that someone else assumes a part of KFOR's mandate and responsibilities constitutes a violation of the UNSC Resolution 1244, while also being a potential source of instability and tensions. I will remind you that Pristina, contrary to international law and completely ignoring the interests and positions of the Serb community in the Province, would not abandon its plans to install a new security actor in the territory of Kosovo and Metohija. We consider the unilateral decisions on the formation of the "Ministry of Defence" and launching the process of transforming the so-called "Kosovo Security Forces" (KSF) into the so-called "Kosovo Army" to be unacceptable. I would like to reiterate that such unilateral moves on the part of Pristina constitute a gross violation of the UNSC Resolution 1244 and the Military Technical Agreement, according to which only the International Security Forces, that is KFOR, have the mandate for all military aspects of security in the territory of Kosovo and Metohija.

In this context, an additional reason for concern is the announcement of the construction of the largest base of the "Kosovo Security Forces" in the southern part of Kosovska Mitrovica, which Serbs in the north of Kosovo and Metohija perceive as the most open provocation and threat to their physical safety.


Distinguished members of the Security Council,

It is particularly worrying for the Serbian people in Kosovo and Metohija that in the previous period, and especially in March this year, there were frequent physical attacks on the property of the Serbian Orthodox Church. In just two weeks, as many as seven Orthodox landmarks in the province were targeted by vandals, at a time when we all remember the March 2004 pogrom against Serbs and Serbian holy sites in Kosovo and Metohija. The condition of the Serbian cultural and spiritual heritage in Kosovo and Metohija is humiliating, including the four monuments that are inscribed on the UNESCO List of World Heritage in Danger (Visoki Decani, Holy Virgin of Ljevisa, Gracanica and the Patriarchate of Pec). Numerous administrative and technical barriers are imposed on priestly and monastic communities, which makes it more difficult or even impossible for them to survive on church property.

A striking example of the disrespectful attitude towards Serbian cultural and religious monuments in the Province, whose exceptional universal value UNESCO confirmed by inscribing them on the World Heritage List, is the case of the Visoki Decani Monastery.

Distinguished members of the Security Council,

The reason for the nervous behaviour of Pristina is all too obvious, as the project of the so-called independence today fails to be recognized by more than a half of the United Nations Member States, including five members of the European Union. However, it is high time for Albanian leaders in Pristina to show responsibility in fulfilling their commitments, but also a sincere commitment to reaching a compromise solution and building mutual trust.

I will remind you that the current Prime Minister of the provisional institutions of self-government in Pristina has repeatedly threatened to unite the self-proclaimed Kosovo and Albania in the past. A member of his party publicly said last weekend that the self-proclaimed Kosovo and Albania would be united, I quote, "with rifle and gunpowder, or referendum boxes".

I need not explain why such dangerous ideas constitute a direct threat to peace and stability. They violate Resolution 1244, while continuously destabilizing not only our southern province, but the entire region as well, and in no way contribute to the dialogue process, but instead hamper it again.

We have demonstrated time and time again our commitment to dialogue as the only way towards a peaceful, political solution to the problem in Kosovo and Metohija. Even today, after many years of negotiations, but also failure to fulfill what was agreed and constant unilateral moves and provocations on the part of the provisional institutions in Pristina, we are still ready to sit down at the table and talk.

We are ready for dialogue but not to be blackmailed and threatened and especially not for ultimatums recently presented by Prime Minister of the provisional institutions of self-government in Pristina. I will remind you of his statement that the dialogue will be low on the list of priorities of the Pristina authorities. It is bewildering how Pristina refers to ultimatums completely undermining any chance of dialogue, as the European Union also pointed out, as "principles" and how it persistently insists that Belgrade should recognize the unilaterally declared independence of "Kosovo", upon which, they believe, all else would be resolved. What is the purpose of the dialogue then, if Belgrade is only expected to recognize the so-called Kosovo? Does the dialogue imply that one side should give up everything only for the other to win it all? And does the dialogue, in Pristina's opinion, imply that what was agreed should not be fulfilled?

I will remind you that Pristina still refuses to follow up on its obligations arising from the agreements reached so far and does not agree to discuss their implementation within the dialogue. And the situation is quite simple - in April 2013, the first agreement was signed in Brussels, which envisaged four obligations: one for Pristina and three for Belgrade. Belgrade has fulfilled all obligations, while the only obligation that the provisional institutions in Pristina had - to form the Community of Serb Municipalities - has remained unfulfilled for 2,917 days now. In fact, 19 April marks eight full years since the agreement was reached in Brussels, and of Pristina's failure to fulfill the obligation to form the Community of Serb Municipalities.

Distinguished Mr. President,

Regardless of the discouraging messages heard from Pristina and the fact that the dialogue has been in progress for many years, Serbia is determined and will not give up on identifying a compromise solution, which will be sustainable for future generations as well. Lasting peace and stability can only be achieved if none of the participants in the dialogue pursues maximalist demands and insists on the complete humiliation of the other. The Serbian and Albanian peoples, as the two most numerous peoples in the Western Balkans, need to find a way to reach reconciliation and a basis for cooperation, both in terms of the economy and in achieving shared prospects for membership  to the European Union.

Belgrade has made sincere steps in that direction, by being one of the initiators of the idea of relaxing the flow of people, goods, capital and services, popularly referred to as "mini-Schengen".

As far as Serbia is concerned, we are convinced that the only way to build lasting peace and stability in our region is by working to build trust and insisting on positive political agendas. The inhabitants of Kosovo and Metohija, of any nationality, whether they are Serbs or Albanians, do not deserve anything less.

Thank you for your attention.

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic welcomed today together with Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Serbia Chen Bo a new consignment of 500,000 doses of the Chinese Sinopharm vaccine at Nikola Tesla Airport in Belgrade.

Brnabic pointed out in a statement to the press after the new delivery of half a million Chinese vaccines, that 2.5 million vaccines have been delivered to Serbia from the People's Republic of China alone.

Of all other vaccines we have somewhat less than a million, Brnabic added.
She said that together with tomorrow's delivery of 106,420 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine we will have a total of 3.5 million vaccines.
We paid for all the vaccines, as well as for all that we received through the COVAX programme. This delivery speaks enough about the partnership with the People's Republic of China and how much our partners from China and the company Sinopharm helped us that the mass immunisation campaign in Serbia go as planned, the Prime Minister pointed out.
She described as encouraging the fact that we have 26 percent of the total adult population vaccinated with at least one dose, and 20 percent with two doses.
Our goal is to have around 40 percent of the adult population vaccinated with the first dose by the end of April, she underlined.
Brnabic said that she is especially happy with the data, which she saw this morning and which is important for our country and the health system, that over 51 percent of the population in the age group between 65 and 74 are vaccinated.
In the age group of over 75, we have 42 percent of those vaccinated. It is necessary to protect these two age categories, first of all, then the population category with chronic illness, in order to reduce the pressure on the health system, Brnabic explained.
China is the most populous country in the world. Domestic demand for vaccines is huge, but we believe that all countries in the world belong to one fateful community. Chinese companies are ready to provide as many vaccines as possible to other countries, said the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China.
Chinese Ambassador to Serbia Chen Bo pointed out that China, as well as Serbia, is conducting mass vaccination, during which 140 million doses of vaccine were given until yesterday.
The Chinese Ambassador expressed the hope that the new consignment of the Chinese vaccine will additionally help the process of building the "immunity wall" of Serbia.

President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic met today with Minister of National Defense of the People's Republic of China General Wei Fenghe discussing further intensification of dialogue and promotion of cooperation between the two countries in numerous areas, as well as readiness to further strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between Serbia and China.

President Vucic wished a warm welcome to Minister Fenghe and emphasized that this meeting would result in even more fruitful cooperation between our two countries.

"We are convinced that this visit is another demonstration of the iron-clad friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership between Serbia and China, and also a sign of its deepening in all areas", President Vucic stressed and added that Serbia and its competent authorities were ready to work together with the People's Republic of China and the Ministry of National Defense of the People's Republic of China on the further development of the overall relations between the two countries, especially in the field of military economic, military medical and military educational cooperation.

The collocutors agreed that the traditional friendship between our countries, but also the constant deepening of friendly relations, gained special momentum during the historic visit of the President of the People's Republic of China to our country in 2016, which raised it to the level of comprehensive strategic partnership.

President Vucic reiterated his gratitude for China's help to Serbia during the Covid-19 pandemic, especially emphasizing that the continuity of dialogue and further intensification of cooperation between Serbia and China was preserved despite the pandemic.

The two interlocutors noted that one of the important characteristics of our strong bilateral relations was Serbia's participation in the mechanism of cooperation between China and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe (17 + 1), as well as the Belt and Road initiative, to which the Republic of Serbia attached great importance and lent support.

The Serbian President reiterated in particular the unwavering position of our country when it comes to supporting the policy of "one China" and added that he highly appreciated the consistent position of China regarding respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Serbia.

President Vucic emphasized that he was pleased with the dynamic development of military cooperation and expressed Serbia's interest in its further intensification. The President pointed out in particular that Serbia was looking forward with great joy to a new visit by President Xi Jinping to Serbia when the conditions allow, after the normalization of epidemiological situation.
 

President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic made a statement on the occasion of marking the Day of Remembrance of the victims of the NATO aggression.

"Your Holiness, distinguished Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, distinguished Speakers of the National Assemblies of the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Srpska, distinguished Prime Ministers of the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Srpska, distinguished Ministers of both Governments, dear guests and friends, representatives of the Serbian People from Montenegro, North Macedonia, Croatia, thank you for the fact that we are all together tonight and that the Serbian spirit is unbreakable and invincible.

One child a day and a little more than that. That is the most difficult, sickening and painful number of the NATO aggression from 1999. Killed, stopped, guilty of nothing, having committed no sin, without the right to defence, without the right to justice and without the right to life.

No one has ever been held accountable for this crime, a crime greater than a crime. No one, for the 2,500 killed civilians, but also soldiers and policemen who were only guilty of guarding, protecting themselves and their homes. No one has ever been held accountable for more than 6,000 persons injured.

Even today, 22 years after the aggression, it is not possible to explain that, there is no universal justification, despite all the work done to that end, there is no reason, it makes no sense, and only names remain, as eternal as sin.

Miljana Milic, fifteen years old,
Vladimir Milic, twelve years old,
Miomir Mladenovic, fourteen years old,
Dragan Dimic, three years old,
Julijana Brudar, ten years,
Olivera Maksimovic, twelve years old,
Miroslav Knezevic, thirteen years old,
Dajana Pavlovic, five years old,
Stevan Pavlovic, eight years old,
Marko Simic, two years old,
Milica Rakic, three years old,
Ivan Ivancic, seven years old,
Marko Ivanovic, three years old...

And the list goes on, eighty nine names, not only Serbian ones...

The senselessness of sheer killing did not choose. Sixteen children, aged two to seventeen, from the Ahmetaj and Hasani families, were killed in a convoy returning home to Prizren.

In one headline in the West, this was simply explained as a "tragic mistake". The deaths of Marko Roglic, Milan Ignjatovic, Gordana Nikolic, Irena Mitic, Milica Stojanovic, Bojana Tosovic, Branimir Stanijanovic, our Sanja Milenkovic...could not expect or get even such an explanation.

Those deaths were not tragic, for those who caused them, much less a mistake. It was just an excuse, a miserable excuse.

They were a result of intent and a clear decision, as a severe judgment against one country, its people, its children.

And that is why today we will refrain from speculation in giving a name to everything that happened during the spring of 1999. Because a crime happened, a heinous and terrible one. And it was an aggression, not a bombing, not an intervention, not a campaign, not an operation. An aggression is what happened. An attack on a sovereign country, without a decision of the United Nations, without a sufficient reason that would justify attacking the then Yugoslavia or a neighbouring or NATO country.

No one was attacked by Serbia or the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia at that time. They attacked us, with one goal. To defeat us, to keep killing us, and in the end to take away a part of our territory.

And no matter how much we analyze things today, no matter how harsh and critical we are towards ourselves, our policy and leadership at the time, it is clear that the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and Serbia were left with almost no choice then. The choice was horrible, either the loss of territory and people on the one hand, or the complete disappearance of the Serbian state, morals, honour, Serbian spirit, names and surnames. And we could not help but lose. Nineteen big ones attacked one small country, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. They attacked both Serbia and Montenegro. And even when they don't talk about it today, in one of the two independent countries, those are the facts. And that small country, and that small nation, to all nineteen of them so great and powerful, held a lesson in what matters most - honour, morals and love for freedom that a nation can have.

Yes, justice, lest we forget justice. All those nineteen great ones today still silently talk about their military success, avoid answering questions, while - can you imagine, one small, only numerically small Serbian people, that small but magnificent nation, with sadness, tears in their eyes, proudly remembers their resistance and struggle against the nineteen cruel and arrogant ones.

We lost a lot, we lost our fathers, brothers, spouses, children, but the honour and Serbian heart are still there, to protect Serbia, which is eternal and indestructible.

We lost children, we lost people, we lost control over a large part of the territory, we lost billions because of the destroyed infrastructure and economy.

And all that was left for us was the body of a tortured, destroyed country, a country in disintegration, mutilated, looted, wounded, deserted, and guilty, condemned for everything that happened not only in the 1990s, but throughout history.

A country that, even ten years after the aggression, did not have the strength to stand up, rise to its feet, and do anything but be silent, or bow its head and obediently apologize, for everything, even for its dead, even for its murdered children.

Today, it is no longer that failed, tortured, devastated, mutilated Serbia.

Today, it is Serbia, which has found its strength and its pride again.

Serbia, which calls things by their real names.

Serbia, which turned its back on war and defeats, and started working.

Serbia, which rose to stand on its own feet and has a voice of its own.

Serbia, which, even when they don't believe it, they listen to. Which is capable, which is growing, and is no longer part of the problem. Serbia, which is and will be, at least we will do our best to this end, the very solution that enables the entire region to live in peace and understanding.

And that Serbia, today, when there are still many more bombs in the world than vaccines, sends not bombs, but precisely those vaccines to the region. Today, it is ready to produce them as well, and in just a few months we will do just that, but not only for ourselves, but also for others, for the entire Balkans.

We are ready, and we are willing to help.

We are not ready to be and we will not be silent, nor be humiliated again.

We draw the right to that not only from the victims we had, but also from the fact that we stopped looking at others only a long time ago, and looking for fault and guilt only in them, and not sometimes in ourselves as well.

We looked at each other and admitted. Every loss, every defeat and every crime that someone committed in our name, every failure and every wrong policy.

And we are no longer doing anything that could endanger anyone.

We continue to work and work, and grow more and more, gaining strength with only one goal - to be the best in economy and education, health, in culture, science, sports...

And we want to be safe, on our own. We want our army to be much stronger than it was in 1999. So that we never again face a situation that someone is killing our children, destroying the country, or expelling our people.

We want to remain free, to decide our own destiny, and for no one to take everything away from us ever again, and give us nothing.

And that nothing today, and I will repeat it as much as necessary, is the idea of some great, powerful ones, but also those who serve them, the idea that "Kosovo" should recognize us, so that we could recognize "Kosovo".

We do not need that recognition. And Serbia will not allow you to walk over our victims, our history, our past, but also to walk over our future. You will get the answer of reasonable, kind and responsible people. We need a compromise. We need all the obligations that we and Pristina have assumed to be fulfilled, but only we have fulfilled them so far.

And this is not our whim. It is not a phantasmagoria about a Serbian world that we want to create.

Even today, when they threaten us with the formation of a Greater Albania, when they say that the Community of Serb Municipalities is not going to happen, it is ours to be calm, to take care of our people in Kosovo and Metohija, but to send a clear message to all those great, powerful ones that we are not as weak as we were, that we will be able to preserve what is our own, not touching anything that belongs to anyone else. After all, Serbia is not and will not be but a handful of oats that every crow from the whole wide world can eat. As for those who used the strength and power of the nineteen arrogant and cruel ones, I only ask them not to threaten us. Please, please, don't threaten us. They should not think that Serbia is broken and that it will not have the strength to respond. Please, please, our Albanian neighbours, do not threaten us. And we ask all others, who have demonstrated their cruelty towards Serbia, not to help you in that. That is all we are asking and nothing more.

And we will respond to calls for peace, calls for compromise, and always with good will, because we do not want to have children killed again. And we do not want the children of others to suffer again. But do not underestimate Serbia, and do not look at Serbia with the same eyes as you did in 1999.

Today, Serbia is much stronger, much more powerful. Today, Serbia is a united country of togetherness, not a divided one. Today, Serbia is incomparably stronger and better in every aspect than it was in 1999, from the economy to our army. And we will never threaten anyone, we just ask you and request from you to respect us and nothing more.

Today, we are building roads that will connect us, among ourselves, with the region and with the world. Until the end of the year, we will work on eight motorways, on eight routes in the entire Balkans, not only Serbia, eight roads of peace and cooperation.

Only a crazy person would trade this for war, for dead children, for demolition and new loss. And yes, we want to have the closest relations with everyone who took part in the aggression against our beautiful Serbia, we have forgiven a long time ago, but no, we will never forget. And don't ask us to. That one day, every year, we will remind both ourselves and you. The nineteen of you, the most powerful, strongest, greatest in terms of might and force, but not so much when it comes to honour and morality. We will keep remind you and ourselves, just so it would never happen again. Not to us only, but to none other freedom-loving people in the world.

And if we have an offer, today it reads as follows: we are ready to make the whole Balkans a winner, for everyone to win, as long as no one tries to make Serbs the only losers.

And the path to this goal is not difficult at all.

We just need to respect and understand each other and not try to humiliate each other.

And not to touch into what everyone paid the highest and bloodies price for. Freedom. And we, Serbs, know the price of freedom.

Into our right to have it, to keep it and to remember all the victims who are part of it.

And our defeats, our lives and our children are built into ours. And the lives of our heroic pilots, and our giants from Kosare and Pastrik, and our children, innocent, completely innocent, and only guilty of living in Serbia.

This is too high a price to be quiet about it.

Because that would mean that we are ready for another defeat, for another humiliation.

And we are not.

And when all go quiet, we will keep repeating.

A child a day, and a little more. This was how much you killed us. In an aggression that even you did not understand why you carried it out.

And we will keep repeating this, just so it does not happen to us again.

With special reverence, we are fulfilling our obligation to pay tribute to all innocent Serbian victims who laid their lives on the altar of the homeland, both civilians and our heroic soldiers and policemen, the heroes of Kosare, Prizren, Mitrovica.

Today, for us Serbs, life in Kosovo and Metohija is like Via Dolorosa, using their last strength on the road to Golgotha, but we would not be Serbs if we were not capable to "exist in a terrible place".

And today, tonight, I can conclude with one important sentence. On the soil of Europe, there was, and today is stronger than ever, an indomitable, unwavering, unconquerable and never conquered Serbia.

May eternal glory be to all the victims of the NATO aggression and let us all exclaim together - long live free and proud Serbia", President Vucic said.
 

President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic participated today in the commemoration of the Remembrance Day of 17 March 2004 - Pogrom in Kosovo and Metohija. He said that exactly 17 years ago, a pogrom took place in Kosovo and Metohija, and that pogrom surpassed all other crimes.

"There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest, these words of Elie Wiesel, a camp survivor and Nobel laureate, make it forever incumbent upon us not to remain silent against crime, regardless of who and for what reason committed it", President Vucic stated and added that we remembered and learned every lesson in which we were losers, each one in which we were silent to our own victims, and each one when we were ready to forget.   

"Serbia is no longer weak today, nor is it a country of losers, it does not threaten, but it does not forget either, it is ready for talks, but not for humiliation. Serbia, just like everyone else, has the right to take care of its people, their safety and well-being. The right to life is a fundamental human right and we will always defend it", President Vucic said.

President Vucic said that pogrom surpasses all other crimes, because it is not only an act, but an intention, a policy, a premediated attempt to forcibly cleanse persons belonging to other peoples and faiths from a region or a country.

"We have no right to remain silent to that", said the President of Serbia, emphasizing that we have an obligation to be winners without blood spilled and war, to be the best in the economy, healthcare, sports, education and everything else that implies development and progress.

"We also wish others to work on themselves and be successful, because we are aware that crime is a tool for losers that winners do not need, as they remember, but forgive and move on, while the losers keep spinning in the same vicious circle. We Serbs do not want to be that anymore, we want a future in which we will remember, but from which we will not return. We know what happened and we call it by its real name", President Vucic concluded.

President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić talked today via video link with the Sinopharm company management about the process of procuring vaccines, the construction of a Chinese vaccine factory in Serbia, but also about the construction and equipping of Serbian hospitals.

President Vučić thanked the President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping, the leadership of the Communist Party and the representatives of Sinopharm for their help in supplying vaccines in the most difficult moment.

President Vučić pointed out that the largest number of citizens in Serbia were vaccinated with this vaccine and emphasised the importance of signing a new contract for 2 million new vaccines. He pointed out that Serbian experts gave a very high opinion on the quality and safety of the Sinopharm vaccine.

The Sinopharm Group Chairman, Liu Jingzhen, thanked the President and the citizens of Serbia for the trust placed in the company Sinopharm and added that since the beginning of the 2020 pandemic, Sinopharm, as the largest pharmaceutical company in China, has taken responsibility for fighting this disease.

"Serbia is the first European country to approve the Sinopharm vaccine, and today we will sign a contract for the delivery of 2 million new doses. We appreciate the trust of citizens in our product and we are happy that we can provide the necessary support to the people in Serbia in the fight against the virus," said the Chairman of the Sinopharm Group, Liu Jingzhen.

The topic was also the construction, reconstruction and equipping of hospitals in Serbia.

On this occasion, the Contract on the purchase of Sinopham company vaccines was signed, while the video-meeting and signing of the agreement were also attended by the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China, Chen Bo.

La République de Serbie en qualité de membre associé à l'OIF, de concert avec toute la communauté francophone dans le monde entier, célèbre le Mois de la Francophonie. Pour tous les amateurs de la culture serbe et de la langue française, le Ministère de la Culture et de l'Information de la République de Serbie a préparé un vaste programme et L’Ambassade de la République de Serbie à  Pekin  vous invite à découvrir la diversité et la richesse de la culture serbe en français.

http://www.beijing.mfa.gov.rs/odrzavanje/uploads/Serbie_au_Mois_de_la_Francophonie_2021.pdf

President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić met earlier today with the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China, Chen Bo, to discuss the upcoming visit of the Chinese Minister of Defence, the continuation of the vaccination process and the new factory that will produce the vaccine of the Chinese Sinopharm company, as well as the dynamics of works on the infrastructure projects engaging Chinese companies.

President Vučić reiterated his gratitude to friendly China and President Xi Jinping for their tremendous solidarity and assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to which the citizens of Serbia were among the first in the world to receive quality protection from this dangerous disease. He also once again confirmed the exceptional trust of the citizens of our country in the Chinese vaccine, and thus in the Chinese state and its experts.

In that context, during the talks, the interlocutors paid special attention to the project of building a new factory to produce vaccines of the Chinese company "Sinopharm" in Serbia, which would ensure long-term and strategic supply of vaccines and health protection of the population of Serbia and the region.

President Vučić and Ambassador Chen agreed that this factory will be built following the highest world standards in the field of technology for the vaccines' production, which will place Serbia among those countries that can be competitive in this area in a greatly demanding global market.

President Vučić and the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China also discussed the progress of works on infrastructure projects in Serbia that engage Chinese companies. It was stated that the projects follow the planned dynamics and that by the end of the year, two key infrastructure projects will be completed - the highway Preljina-Požega and the fast railway Belgrade-Novi Sad for speeds of up to 200 km per hour.

The interlocutors also discussed the upcoming visit of the Minister of Defence of the People's Republic of China, which will be dedicated to talks on further improvement of bilateral relations in this area.
 

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia Nikola Selakovic said today that the fight against all forms of crime was a top priority of the Serbian Government and an integral part of the EU accession process.

"It is also our moral duty, in order to leave a better world for the generations to come", Selakovic said participating via video-link at the 14th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, held in Kyoto.    

Minister Selakovic emphasized that Serbia, in its Second Serious and Organized Crime Threat Assessment from 2019, identified as its goal to eliminate cybercrime, human trafficking, terrorism and irregular migration.

The Serbian Foreign Minister pointed out that our country had established in a timely manner a normative and institutional framework that regulates prevention of abuse in this area, as well as that the Office of the Special Prosecutor for Cybercrime, a special court department and a special police unit were established. 

The Minister underlined that, in the field of the fight against corruption, Serbia was guided by the postulates set out in the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and the UN Convention against Corruption.

Selakovic pointed out the efforts made by the Anti-Corruption Agency, as an independent state body, to protect the public interest, build individual and institutional integrity, strengthen transparency and accountability of the public administration.

"We strongly condemn all forms of terrorism, including extremism and radicalism, and call for them to be fully eradicated, while implementing the relevant UN resolutions and conventions and the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy", the Head of Serbian diplomacy underscored. 

In order to combat these complex phenomena efficiently and successfully, Selakovic said, it was of vital importance to build capacities of our societies and states, while exchanging experiences at the regional and global levels.

Minister Selakovic thanked Japanese Ambassador Hikihara for the skill he showed in conducting the talks on harmonizing and adopting the Kyoto Declaration, which, as he stressed, was an important indicator of the commitment to creating and maintaining the institutional framework for crime prevention as one of the main preconditions for promoting sustainable development goals.

"Back in 1970 when Japan hosted this event for the first time, we demonstrated strong political will to draw attention to the problem. Today, it is incumbent upon us to reaffirm this willingness and resolve and translate it into concrete steps", the Serbian Foreign Minister said.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFcsVSnZorw

President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić met earlier today with the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China, Chen Bo, to discuss the cooperation between the two countries, which is, as he pointed out, based on the principles of sincere friendship, solidarity and respect.

"We held today an important meeting and analysed the cooperation with the People's Republic of China. In the previous period, Serbia has made incredible progress in cooperation with China, increased exports as much as 15 times - not 15 per cent, but 15 times over", said President Vučić, adding that already a year ago, when the corona epidemic broke out in our country, Serbia had the great support of China, which supplied it with equipment, respirators, but also people who made two laboratories.

"Last night I was particularly honoured to welcome another 500,000 Sinopharm vaccines. I am infinitely grateful to China because it is a safe and very reliable vaccine, which develops antibodies a bit later, but without endangering human health", said President Vučić and emphasised that it is now up to us to speed up the vaccination, because there is sufficient vaccine.

President Vučić said that he expected substantial new investments from China: 474 million dollars of investments in the Timok mine in September, Ling Long in Zrenjanin, as well as commissioning of the factory in Niš before the end of the year. He also stated that a new project has been agreed upon - the construction of a bypass around Kragujevac, at a very good price.

Speaking about investments, President Vučić said that agreements had been reached concerning the export of beef and corn and that permits for the export of apples is being awaited.

"There are Chinese companies that are interested in investing. Our problem in this regard is that we have high logistics costs. We also talked with the representatives of the Chinese railway who want to help", explained President Vučić and added that negotiations have started on the construction of the highway to Požarevac, and further on to Golubac, which will maintain the Danube corridor.

"We have got a promise from Mr Zhang that the road Čačak-Požega will be completed by Saint Nicholas Day. That is great news for Ivanjica, Novi Pazar and the whole of the Pešter area. We are working with another company on a bypass around Belgrade, and then a bridge near Vinča will remain to be done. Thus, we would connect the full ring around Belgrade. It is a very expensive job," President Vučić indicated. He stated that Chinese companies are also working on the Belgrade-Stara Pazova railway and that talks are underway regarding the construction of the Belgrade-Niš high-speed railway.

"As for the railway, it will be put into operation in less than a year at a speed of 200 km per hour. Citizens will be able to get from the centre of Belgrade to the centre of Novi Sad in just 28 minutes. We should also get connect with Budapest. That will be the new face of Serbia", said President Vučić.

The Ambassador of the People's Republic of China in Belgrade, Chen Bo, pointed out that despite the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, the cooperation between the two countries is developing intensively.

"This meeting fully confirms that President Vučić attaches great importance to relations with China. Our cooperation is focused on two points, and the first is the joint fight against the pandemic," said the Chinese Ambassador, adding that the second point of cooperation is the joint fight for economic growth and recovery.

"This includes infrastructure, as the largest area. Comprehensive projects are developing solidly, such as the Belgrade-Novi Sad high-speed project and the Preljina-Požega highway. The Chinese company together with French and Serbian partners also signed an agreement on the construction of the Belgrade metro. Today, we also exchanged opinions on cooperation in the field of agriculture. We have a great opportunity for cooperation in this area. We hope that in the future there will be even more quality Serbian products on the Chinese market," said the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China.

Metropolitan Porfirije of Zagreb and Ljubljana elected as the new Patriarch of Serbia

The Holy Assembly of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church elected His Eminence Metropolitan Porfirije of Zagreb-Ljubljana, PhD, as the new Serbian Patriarch, in its convocation in Memorial Cathedral of Saint Sava in Belgrade on 18 February 2021.

Immediately after the election a thanksgiving service was officiated and Many Years was chanted to the Archbishop of Pec, Metropolitan of Belgrade-Karlovci and Serbian Patriarch Porfirije. Bells at Saint Sava Cathedral in the Vracar district of Belgrade rang a few minutes before 4:00 pm indicating that the 46th Patriarch of Serbia was elected.

Newly-elected Archbishop of Pec, Metropolitan of Belgrade-Karlovci and Serbian Patriarch Porfirije (Peric) was born on 22 July 1961 in Becej, to father Radivoje and Mother Radojka. He was baptized as Prvoslav. He finished primary school in Curug, and the “Jovan Jovanovic Zmaj” Grammar School in Novi Sad. He was ordained a monk according to the rite of small schime by his spiritual father, then hieromonk Dr. Irinej (Bulovic), at Decani Monastery on Sunday of St. Thomas in 1985.

He graduated from the Faculty of Orthodox Theology in Belgrade in 1986, when the then Bishop of Raska-Prizren Diocese, future Serbian Patriarch Pavle of blessed memory, ordained him a hierodeacon at the monastery of Holy Trinity in Musutiste.

He attended postgraduate studies in Athens from 1986 until 1990. That year, upon the blessing of Bishop Dr. Irinej of Backa, he joined the monastery of Holy Archangels in Kovilj, where he was ordained as hieromonk and became its abbot.

Many young monks and novices came to the monastery following him. These were the years when the Kovilj Monastery became a spiritual center for many young people: intellectuals, artists, popular actors and rock musicians, especially from Novi Sad and Belgrade. Since then abbot Porfirije has particularly dealt with drug-addicted patients. In 2005, he formed for this purpose a therapeutic community called “The Land of the Living”, which is recognized as the most successful drug-addiction therapy project and, under the leadership of Bishop Porfirije, it has more than a hundred residents in camps throughout Serbia today.

During the ordinary meeting of the Holy Assembly of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Belgrade on 14 May 1999 he was elected as Bishop of Jegar, Vicar of the Diocese of Backa.

He defended his PhD thesis Possibility of knowability of God in St. Paul’s understanding according to the interpretation of Saint John Chrysostom at the Faculty of Theology of the University of Athens in 2004.

He became a lecturer at the Faculty of Orthodox Theology - Department of Pastoral Psychology - succeeding famous psychiatrist, academician Dr. Vladeta Jerotic. His lectures have been attended not only by students of the Faculty of Orthodox Theology, but other Belgrade faculties as well.

Together with a group of experts: psychologists, doctors, criminologists, sociologists, Bishop Porfirije founded a civic association that deals with the resocialization of victims of destructive religious sects and cults.

Bishop Porfirije has not been just president of the Steering Board for a decade, but a real spiritus movens of the Humanitarian Fund “Privrednik”, which has provided scholarships for a great number of gifted, but poor pupils and students, regardless of their nationality or religious affiliation.

In 2005, the National Assembly elected him as representative of all Churches and religious communities, to be a member of the Council of the Republic Broadcasting Agency, and in 2008 the RBA elected him its president. As President of the Council of the Republic Broadcasting Agency, Bishop Porfirije supported the long-term interests of society and citizens, unaffected by political influences.

Since then, church radio stations have been heard in the broadcasting spectrum of Serbia. He has made a key contribution to launching of a series of radio and television shows dealing with religious topics.

In 2010, The Holy Assembly of Bishops entrusted him to establish military chaplaincy in the Serbian Armed Forces. The fruits of his labour in that field include not only the suitable legal regulations, but also the selection of military chaplains, the organization and equipping of churches at barracks and performance of the first religious services.

His expert theological works Bishop Porfirije published in magazines both in Serbia and abroad. He participated in a large number of scientific conferences and symposia across the globe.

Bishop Porfirije, as one of the most prominent contemporary Serbian clergymen and intellectuals, has an extremely wide circle of friends, not only in the Homeland, and he fosters personal friendship and close cooperation with priests and representatives of other Churches and religious communities.

He speaks Greek, English, German and uses the Russian language, while his style of communication is always adapted to his interlocutors.

He was enthroned as the Metropolitan of Zagreb and Ljubljana on 13 July 2014 in the Cathedral Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord in Zagreb. The solemn Hierarchal Liturgy was served by Serbian Patriarch Irinej, accompanied by a large number of archbishops of the Serbian Church and other sister Churches, as well as priests and monks, and pious people.

Video message prepared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia on this occasion can be seen here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jh6idN_HKsQ&ab_channel=MFAoftheRepublicofSerbia

At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, the President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić participated today in the video-conference Summit of China and 17 countries of Central and Eastern Europe.

"Distinguished Excellency, President of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Xi Jinping,
Your Excellencies, representatives of the Central and Eastern European Countries,
Dear Friends,

Exactly two weeks ago, when he was addressing the World Economic Forum, President Xi underlined that “divided world cannot fight common challenges the mankind is facing. Multilateralism is about having international affairs addressed through consultation and the future of the world decided by everyone working together. We must stick to the cooperation concept based on mutual benefit, to safeguard equal rights of development for all countries and to promote competition based on righteousness and justice.  And scientific and technological advances should benefit all humanity rather than be used to curb and contain other countries' development.

On behalf of the citizens of the Republic of Serbia and on my personal behalf, I want to thank our host for his warm welcoming words and for the privilege to address this distinguished gathering.

Honorable President Xi,

I was deeply moved by your invitation. It was on time that you had recognized the need to initiate this forum, and today you insist on a true need for “China and CEEC to intensify communication, to reach consensus and pave the way for future cooperation supporting economic and social recovery and development in post-COVID era.”

I agree with your conclusion that through cooperation mechanisms offered through this format of the dialogue “we will contribute, to great extent, to enrichment of overall cooperation between China and Europe.”

The importance that the People’s Republic of China attaches to this gathering is best reflected in a fact that our host will be a person of big international reputation and the architect of multilateralism- President Xi.

Serbia had to respond reciprocally to such a gesture of respect, and that is why President of the Republic is addressing.

I am very pleased that trade exchange between China and Central and Eastern European Countries increased by 8,4% in 2020, going thus beyond 100 billion dollars.
In overall trade exchange between Serbia and the world in 2020, China was at the third place. In 2020, trade exchange was close to 3.7 billion USD which is 30% growth comparing to 2018. Only in the past 5 years, our export to China increased 15 times.

In 2020 there was a historic maximum of our export to China, and just for the comparison sake, our export to China in 2010 was only 7.3 million, and this year – more than 377 million USD.

By the end of 2020, Chinese direct investment in the Central and Eastern European Countries including energy, infrastructure and logistics were 3.14 billion dollars gross, while investment of the respective countries in China reached 1.72 billion dollars.

I take the liberty of saying that this is about establishing new development paradigm and making global cooperation in fighting coronavirus pandemic easier.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Allow me to briefly inform you on the current economic parameters in the Republic of Serbia, which are the result of implementation of economic measures aimed at mitigating COVID-19 pandemic consequences.

Today, after difficult reforms and despite the pandemic, Serbia notes unprecedented results in its modern history. We are the first in Europe judging by growth rate, and second in terms of number of vaccinated people.

We want to preserve good results and keep improving Serbia.

Immunization in Serbia has started by the vaccine manufactured by the Chinese company Sinopharm, together with the American Pfizer and Russian Sputnik V vaccines. We also expect vaccine deliveries through COVAX and the European Union.

Serbia managed to become a positive example in the entire Europe, thanks to unselfish and fraternal help of the People’s Republic of China and President Xi.

Since life cannot and must not stop, I would like to remind you that Serbia hosted the Fourth China-CEEC Ministerial Conference on Innovation, whose biggest result was Belgrade Declaration on Cooperation in the Field of Innovation.

Serbia wants to strengthen its position in the region when it comes to development of innovation, intelligence, robotics and digitalization, which we see as a path for creating better, more prosperous and more satisfied society.

Possibility of having our country as a host for the center of the smart cities is of strategic interest for Serbia.

Belt and Road, this magnificent vision of the President Xi is getting clear shape right in front of our eyes. Serbia is on its EU path and at the same time will do its best to strengthen ties with our Chinese friends.

Donated and purchased medical equipment shipped from China reached Serbia through ancient routes of the Silk Road, from Xi’an and Wuhan, through Hungary to Serbia.

Unlike the ancient Silk Road, medication and equipment came to the Balkans with more than 88 flights, and using numerous railway compositions.

Modernization of Belgrade-Budapest railroad will enable even faster transportation of goods towards Greek ports, and better connectivity between China and numerous Asian countries with Europe.

We believe that continuous dialogue on the highest political level is crucial for development of strategic relations between Serbia and China in all areas of economic, culture and medical activities.

I hope that as soon as the epidemiological situation in Serbia enables that, we will have the opportunity to welcome President Xi Jinping again.

I am pleased to conclude that there was almost no impact of the pandemic on working processes, and that numerous Chinese companies in Serbia continued working on realization of the agreed projects, like construction works on highways on Corridors X and XI, as well as on numerous projects in the field of energy.

In the end of January this year, the Memorandum of Understanding for the “Belgrade Metro” project between the Government of the Republic of Serbia, the City of Belgrade and Chinese company “Power China” and French company “Alstom”  that is supposed to start in the third quarter of 2021 was signed.

We expect that cooperation will intensify in the field of sports, agriculture, education, science and technology, where Serbia-China Industrial Park Project in Belgrade is of big importance.

Additionally, Serbia successfully presented its achievements on the Third China International Import Expo in Shanghai in November 2020.

Previous year has displayed all weaknesses of the mankind and forced each country to reexamine its capacities, putting at the same time to serious test many new alliances, but also traditional ties.

Basic postulates we had built on our habits on free flow of people, goods, capital and services were shaken by global introduction of quarantine and actual limitation of the freedom of movement.

Distinguished President Xi, allow me to avail myself of this opportunity to renew to you, on behalf of the citizens of the Republic of Serbia and on my personal behalf, our deepest gratitude for prompt assistance in medical equipment that the Government of the People’s Republic of China made available to my country and my people, and to “Fire Eye” laboratories that China donated to Serbia were of great significance in virus detection.

Only through cooperation between all countries, exchange of experience in the spirit of solidarity and understanding, but also through openness and identifying new cooperation modalities, a global recovery will be possible.

Dear Friends,

According to the traditional Chinese lunar calendar, New Year begins in three days. The year ahead will be in the sign of Buffalo. According to the ancient belief, the Year of Buffalo is a year when many of us will reach new knowledge and decisions. More importantly, the upcoming period will be good for all those who are used to hard work.

Finally, I would like to remind you of a far-reaching speech of the President Xi, as of May 15th 2017. On that occasion, my friend draws accurate parallels between the Silk Road and “Belt and Road” Initiative. The development of the Belt and Road is rooted in history, but orients to the future. The ancient Silk Road embodied the pursuit of a better life of our ancestors, promoted the interconnection of countries in Asia and Europe, pushed forward the exchanges and mutual learning of civilizations between the East and the West, and made great contributions to the development and progress of human civilization. We can fully draw wisdom and strength from the ancient Silk Road, promote cooperation in the spirit of peaceful cooperation, openness and tolerance, mutual learning, mutual benefit and win-win, and open up a brighter future together.

Long live friendship between Serbia and China!", said President Vučić in his address.

Belgrade,
9th February 2021

President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping sent congratulations to the President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, on the Statehood Day of the Republic of Serbia. The congratulation reads as follows:

"Dear Mr President,

On the occasion of the Statehood Day of the Republic of Serbia, on behalf of the Government and the people of China and my own behalf, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to you and the friendly Serbian people.

Sino-Serbian relations maintain a steady development trend. Mutual political trust between the two countries is strong, cooperation in various fields achieves rich results, and steel friendship is continuously deepening. Together, the two sides face the challenges of the COVID-19 virus epidemic, setting an example of cooperation in the fight against the world's epidemic. At my invitation, you recently attended the Summit of the Leaders of China and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe and made an outstanding contribution to the successful holding of the summit, which I highly appreciate.

I attach great importance to the development of relations between China and Serbia. I am ready to raise the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between China and Serbia to an even higher level with you, within the joint development of the Belt and Road initiative, and cooperation between China and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, to contribute to the well-being of our two countries and nations.

I wish your country a lot of prosperity, and happiness and well-being to your people", reads the congratulation message of President Xi Jinping.

11th February 2021

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic stated tonight that our country, with the 500,000 Chinese vaccines that arrived tonight, now has a total of as many as 1.5 million of these vaccines, which will save thousands of lives in Serbia.

Brnabic expressed gratitude to China and President Xi Jinping for support to the citizens of Serbia during the fight against the coronavirus at Nikola Tesla Airport, where she together with Chinese Ambassador Chen Bo welcomed the Air Serbia plane carrying the new quantities of the Sinopharm vaccine.

She reiterated that, with today's 500,000 vaccines, Serbia has 1.5 million Chinese vaccines, which, along with the excellent organisation of vaccinations, helped our country to be second in Europe and seventh in the world by the number of vaccinations, with the expectation that our position will improve.

Brnabic explained that this is not about contracts and money, but about partnership and friendship, and pointed out that we have additional contracts and we paid for additional vaccines, but we received 1.5 million vaccines only from China.

The Prime Minister wished a happy Chinese Lunar New Year to the citizens of China, the Chinese President, the Chinese Premier and the Communist Party of that country.

Belgrade, 10 February 2021

 

President of the Republic and Supreme Commander of the Serbian Army Aleksandar Vucic attended a demonstration of capabilities of one part of Serbian Army units in the "Rastko Nemanjić" barracks in Pancevo. On this occasion, President Vucic stated that Serbia was ready to continue the EU-facilitated dialogue with Pristina at any point, while respecting also the position of the United States as well as the positions of Russia and China.   

The President said that he would rather put his "head on the chopping block" than sign any document with a recognition and reminded that he had already once refused to do so in Washington, where there were two versions of the agreement.

He stated that he immediately had his delegation leave the meeting, that he told the U.S. delegation that Serbia would not sign such an agreement, while conveying that Serbia would always endeavour to hold peaceful talks in order to preserve peace, but that it would not take any humiliation.

The Serbian President thanked the U.S. President Joe Biden for the letter of congratulations on the occasion of the upcoming Statehood Day, in which, in addition to the usual emphasis on commitment to promoting economic cooperation, regional stability and democratic values, he unequivocally called for mutual recognition of Serbia and "Kosovo" as a result.

Mutual recognition between Serbia and "Kosovo" is not part of any act of any world organization, the President pointed out and reiterated that Serbia was ready to continue the EU-facilitated dialogue with Pristina at any point, while respecting also the position of the United States as well as the positions of Russia and China.

According to the president, the situation is difficult and will only be increasingly difficult.

"As I told you three days ago, I can see it and I expect it, I can see the situation slowly tightening, because the conflicts between them at the global level have been increasing and intensifying, and then we have to pay the price", the President said.

President Vucic said that said that it was up to our state to continue strengthening the country in the economic sense.

The President added that the role of the army was very important in the highly complex security and political conditions of the modern world, and that was why Serbia needed to do everything it could to deter any potential aggressor and attacks on citizens and the country.

"The policy of strengthening the armed forces will continue at a faster pace", the President emphasized, adding that the goal was for the Serbian Army to play a stabilizing role with regard to the political developments in the region.

According to him, it should be clear to everyone that Serbia was not a punching bag and that not everyone could attack and threaten it like it was the case in the past.

Vucic said that he was pleased with what he saw and that a lot had been done in the previous period, pointing out that the salaries of military personnel would be significantly increased as of April.

President Vucic also stated that investments in the Serbian Army would continue, whom he told that he expected the Army to continue to be the guardian of our country, its integrity and freedom.

"We expect you to be the guardians of our country, its integrity and freedom, the defenders of our people, the guardians of the homeland, the protectors of the interests of the state of Serbia and to be a deterrent factor for every aggressor and anyone who might consider attacking Serbia", Vucic said.

The military exercise called "Spearhead" demostrated the capabilities of the 72nd Special Operations Brigade, and the event, which the President of Serbia and the Supreme Commander of the Serbian Army assessed as very good, was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Nebojsa Stefanovic and Chief of General Staff of the Serbian Armed Forces, General Milan Mojsilovic.

President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić received today the invitation from the President of the People's Republic of China, Xi Jinping, to participate in the Summit of China and CEEC to be held via video link on February 9 this year. President Jinping's invitation reads:

“The year 2020 was a most extraordinary one. Faced with the sudden attack of COVID-19, China and the Central and Eastern European countries (CEECs) have stood together to fight the coronavirus and tide over the difficult time, creating new momentum for China-CEEC cooperation. In view of the pandemic, we have agreed to postpone till a later date the China-CEEC Beijing Summit originally scheduled for April last year.

As things stand, countries have entered a new phase of COVID response and face great challenges in economic recovery and development. There is a need for China and CEEC countries to increase communication, build consensus, and chart the course of cooperation to support economic and social recovery and development in a post-COVID era.

With this in mind, China is going to hold the China-CEEC Summit via video link on 9 February 2021, As the host, I am pleased to invite you to the Summit and look: forward to discussing with you ways to achieve mutually beneficial cooperation and advance the bilateral, ties and China-CEEC cooperation. We could together make good contributions to enriching the overall cooperation between China and Europe and promoting development shared by both sides.

Please accept the assurances of my highest consideration”, reads the letter of the President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping.

Belgrade,
3rd February 2021
 

President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić met earlier today with the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China Chen Bo and asked her to convey his gratitude to President Xi Jinping for human and statesmanlike care and solidarity and for the help that Chinese vaccines reach the citizens of our country as soon as possible.

President Vučić said he was proud that Serbia was the first European country to receive the Chinese vaccine. He pointed out to Ambassador Chen that our country's citizens show deep trust in the Chinese vaccine, and thus in the Chinese state and Chinese experts. Therefore, he asked Ambassador Chen to convey a request to President Xi and the Chinese leadership that the remaining ordered quantities of vaccines arrive as soon as possible.

President Vučić said that he was looking forward to participating in the China-CEEC Summit next week via video link. He emphasised that he believes the cooperation format 1 + 17 and the "Belt and Road" initiative are among the most important initiatives ever.

In this regard, the meeting, which was also attended by representatives of relevant Ministries and public companies, discussed current and future joint infrastructure and other projects. On this occasion, it was stated that the projects follow the planned dynamics. By the end of the year, two key infrastructure projects will be completed - the Preljina-Požega highway and the Belgrade-Novi Sad high-speed railway for up to 200 km per hour. This year, it is planned to commence the works on the high-speed railway from Novi Sad to the border with Hungary, on the Fruška gora road corridor and the Belgrade-Zrenjanin highway. Preparation of project documentation for the first stage of the highway from Belgrade through Duga Poljana to the border with Montenegro has been intensively underway.

Among others, the project of wastewater management in 65 cities and towns in Serbia stands out in terms of value and nine landfills that will permanently solve this issue and contribute to environmental protection according to applicable European standards.

Belgrade,
3rd February 2021
 

Serbia's foreign policy positions are naturally being adjusted to the new developments at the international level, but our foreign policy priorities have not changed in a long time. Our top and most important interest is to preserve good-neighbourly relations and stability and peace in the region and, in the same context, to find a peaceful and just solution to the problems in Kosovo and Metohija, Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Selakovic said in an interview with Politika daily.

Another lasting interest of ours is full membership of the European Union, because this is the type of society we strive for. At the bilateral level, our goal is to strengthen ties with traditional friends, the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China, but also to build new partner relations with the United States. One of the most important tasks of our foreign policy is to improve the position and protect the rights and identity of our people in the region, as well as to provide various types of support to Serbs in the diaspora. All these are very important and more often than not complementary goals, Nikola Selakovic pointed out.

What kind of relations do you expect Serbia to have with the new U.S. administration?

It is too early to speculate about this in public. The new presidential administration in Washington is currently preoccupied with internal issues and this will be the case for some time. There are people in the team of President Joseph Biden who have dealt with our region, and it is likely that the Balkans and Serbia will be the focus of the U.S. foreign policy at some point. I will remind you that President Vucic and President Biden not so long ago had very substantive talks in Belgrade, after which our President stated that he had the opportunity to talk to someone extremely well acquainted with the situation in this part of the world and an extraordinarily prepared interlocutor. Taking their personal relationship into account, but also the importance of enhancing the ties between Serbia and the United States, we have reason to expect that a meeting between the two presidents will be organized in the foreseeable future. I am sure that the nature and dynamics of the relations between Serbia and the United States will be influenced by the fact that Ambassador Marko Djuric now represents us in Washington, whose presence at President Biden's inauguration ceremony is an important signal and, I believe, a harbinger of positive developments in bilateral relations between our two countries.

How would you describe our country's relations with Moscow, Brussels and Beijing?

Russia is our traditional friend and that friendship goes beyond merely political ties. These are deep spiritual, cultural and civilizational bonds, and it is only natural that we have a mutual interest in improving those ties, even though they are at a very high level. We have a relationship with the People's Republic of China which is, in addition to the sincere iron-clad friendship between our peoples and high political representatives, based on deep trust and mutual support. Full membership of the European Union is Serbia's strategic orientation that all our friends are aware of, but our country does not forget its friendships, but strengthens and promotes them instead, and approaches all with honesty and no ulterior motives. In this context, we do not seek any preferential treatment, but only the right to freely and independently make decisions about our future and relations with all who respect us. 

Could Serbia pursue a different foreign policy than the one it is pursuing at the moment?

It is always possible to have a different policy, just look at the foreign policy of Serbia ten, twenty or thirty years ago, examine the results at that time and you will realize how irretrievably expensive that policy turned out to be. Whether a policy is right, at either foreign or domestic level, is measured through its results and effect on the lives of citizens and the fate of the entire state.
Our foreign policy priorities are not being defined on a whim, but are instead the result of a serious and deep examination of our complex position and strategic thinking about ways to improve it. Today, Serbia has a better international reputation and credibility than two decades ago, and the main reason for that is that our results have shown how serious and responsible we are as a country. That kind of credibility is not achieved by trickery, but only by hard and well-thought-out work on oneself. And I need to emphasize on this occasion as well that the main inspiration for such an attitude towards politics, the state and its future comes from none other than President Aleksandar Vucic. As Minister of Foreign Affairs, I have the opportunity on a daily basis to see the level of appreciation and respect President Vucic enjoys beyond the borders of our country.

When can we expect the vacant posts of Serbian ambassadors and consuls across the globe to be filled?

That is one of the main tasks for 2021. This will be a year of reinvigoration and I believe also rejuvenation of Serbian diplomacy. Our country, given its size, has a fairly extensive diplomatic network, which provides it with great opportunities for deepening political and economic relations with countries in all parts of the world. But we need more fresh and energetic staff, people who will be the most honourable representatives of a modern and dynamic Serbia. There are such people in Serbia, and we do need a serious rejuvenation, in order to avoid wide generation gaps in our personnel, and to lay the foundations of a modern career diplomacy.

How would you describe your relationship with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic?

President Vucic and I are, in addition to having close and friendly relations, by virtue of the work we do and our constitutional competencies, the closest collaborators in the realization of Serbia's foreign policy goals. This allows me to talk to him often, and on many occasions learn a lot of new and important things. President Vucic is a man who inspires people around him with his strategic and visionary approach to politics, and I am proud to have had the opportunity to be part of his closest team of associates over the years, and to have had him as a kind of political mentor. In any case, his vision of Serbia as a modern, progressive and prosperous state, which independently and on its own will decides on its destiny, is my wish as well and key motivation for political engagement. For only such Serbia is a country that its own citizens, as well as Serbs beyond our borders, can confidently rely on, while also being an inspiration to the entire region.
 

One million doses of vaccines produced by 'Sinopharm' Chinese company arrived today in Serbia, and President Aleksandar Vucic was at the Belgrade airport to welcome the airplane delivering the vaccines.

The President underlined on this occasion that the arrival of the Chinese vaccine shipment was a proof of the exceptional friendship between Serbia and China, and announced that he would himself get a shot of this very vaccine.

In a statement for Chinese CCTV, President Vucic said that he was at the airport to show respect and share the best words on the true friendship that Serbia fostered with China for a very long time and that, in response to that friendship, Serbia received the vaccines, for which he was particularly thankful to Chinese President Xi Jinping. 

"One million doses of the Chinese 'Sinopharm' vaccines have arrived in Serbia. I wish to thank President Xi and the Chinese people", the President wrote on his Instagram profile, sharing a photo showing the flags of Serbia and China in front of the Air Serbia plane which delivered the vaccines.

He expressed special gratitude to the Ambassador of China in Belgrade Chen Bo who, as he said, made great efforts in this important endeavour and who was also there, together with the President and Minister of Health Zlatibor Loncar, to welcome the airplane bringing the vaccines shipment. 

"We were hoping for vaccines from China, but it was not something to easily expect. Both as an ordinary person and as Serbian President I am convinced in the quality of the Chinese vaccine, pending approval of the competent Serbian agency", the President said adding that he was proud that one million doses of vaccines, that would save many lives, was successfully procured from China.

He recalled that the Pfizer-BioNTech and Sputnik V vaccines were already in Serbia, now joined by the vaccines from Beijing, and that Prime Minister Ana Brnabic was already given a shot of the Pfizer vaccine, that Speaker of National Assembly Ivica Dacic and Minister of Defence Aleksandar Vulin received shots of the Russian vaccine, and that he would himself most likely get a shot of the Chinese vaccine.

"We will get the AstraZeneca vaccines next. This demonstrates the level of Serbian political leadership's competence. It is also a proof that we are not afraid to show that we foster a great friendship with China that I have not tried to hide wherever I went, but am proud of it and will continue to make efforts to develop it further", the President said in a statement for the Chinese television reporting on the arrival of Chinese vaccines to Serbia.

The President said that Serbia had yet to receive any vaccines through the COVAX scheme, and that all the vaccines procured so far for the country came as a result of bilateral agreements - with Americans for Pfizer, Russians for Sputnik V and with the Chinese.

"Fortunately, we were smart enough to work for the country and get the most out of our partners. I have the experience; I know how it goes and how much you have to fight for the country to get something. There are countries which received no vaccines at this point", Vucic said and confirmed that he and Minister of Health Zlatibor Loncar will receive shots of the Chinese coronavirus vaccine.

Chinese Ambassador to Serbia Chen Bo emphasized that Serbia and China, under the leadership of Presidents Aleksandar Vucic and Xi Jinping, were fighting shoulder-to-shoulder against coronavirus and added that it was a great honour and pleasure for her to welcome the Chinese 'Sinopharm' vaccines in Belgrade together with the Serbian President.

"The Sinopharm vaccine was officially registered in China on 30 December, and it arrived in Serbia only after 16 days. The arrival of the Chinese vaccine is part of our joint fight against the virus, and I believe it will contribute to fighting the epidemic in Serbia", said Ambassador Chen Bo on this occasion and pointed out that China was the first country in the world to promise that its vaccine would be a global public good.

Belgrade,
16 January 2021

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic pointed out that Serbia is the first in Europe in terms of economic growth, which will be officially confirmed at the end of March, and that this was possible owing to the reform measures taken since 2014 and the rapid opening of the country after the first wave of corona virus.

The President pointed out that Serbia had a growth of 5.2 percent in the first quarter, while the Eurozone was at minus 3.2 percent, in the second quarter Serbia had a growth of minus 6.3 percent, while the Eurozone was at minus 14.7 percent, and in the third quarter, when the Eurozone was at minus 4.3 percent, Serbia's figure was only minus 1.4 percent.
Vucic stated that Montenegro, for example, recorded as much as 26 percent minus in the third quarter.

Furthermore, the President emphasized that hospitals were built and renovated in our country, and that two hospitals were built from the ground up in just four months.

He said that the state made significant efforts to procure respirators, masks, gloves, protective suits, medicines, everything that was needed, and pointed out that work was being done on 10 general hospitals throughout Serbia, adding that all these were major achievements that were only possible owing to the success of the 2014 reforms, the enactment of the Labor Law, which yielded excellent results, and also through fiscal consolidation measures.

"These are unprecedented results for Serbia. Was Serbia ever before the first in Europe in terms of growth rate? We will get the results on 31 March that will confirm that Serbia is number one in Europe. All that was possible thanks to people who believed in difficult changes", Vucic said.

According to the President, this year, as many as six highways will be built in Serbia at the same time, and in this regard, he noted that Bulgaria has announced that the highway from our border to Sofia will be completed by the end of the year, after which it will be possible to use motorway to travel to Istanbul, which is very important to ensure that our country is on a transport route.

President Vucic emphasized that in 2020, the so-called year of corona, our country had a net inflow of foreign direct investment amounting to EUR 2.9 billion net, and three billion gross, which means that many foreign companies such as Toyota Tires, Boysen, ZTF and Brose have invested in Serbia even in this year of crisis.

The President said that Serbia has the highest average wages in the region, amounting to 511 or 512 euros, and that in February, due to the January increase, the average wage will be 535 or 536 euros, and that only in Belgrade in the last seven years the average wage increased by 180 euros or 40 percent.

That President said that Serbia was fourth in the region in terms of salaries before, and that today we are officially the first, and that the difference in relation to other countries will only increase faster. He also pointed out that the employment rate is growing in Serbia as well as that our public debt increased less than in most European countries. This is illustrated by the data that in Italy the public debt surged to 156 percent, in Germany to 87 percent, in France to 114 percent, in Croatia to 88 percent, while in Serbia it is at 57 percent.

The Serbian President announced that by Sretenje, 15 February, an additional package of assistance to the economy will be earmarked, and as he explained, it will be a new capital injection for companies, the trade, entrepreneurs, small, medium and large enterprises which, as he said, concerns 1,052,000 people within that system.

Vucic specified that it will most likely be help in the form of two or three payments amounting to half a minimum wage each, and that there will also be sectoral aid for tourism, hotel owners, travel agencies, guides, for bus carriers, through another half minimum wage payment.

The President added that efforts will be made to extend the guarantee schemes as well, which proved to be excellent, amounting to 1.5 billion, and this time, through the same system, two more portions amounting to 500 million each could be provided.

Vucic said that the first agreements with DFC worth 300 to 400 million dollars are expected in seven days.

He also stated that the state will endeavour to help pensioners further, in addition to increasing pensions by 5.9 percent in January, which will be reflected in their first checks in February, and added that pensioners should by March receive symbolic aid in the form of packages with vitamin C, D and zinc, which, as the President said, are small things, but they reflect the state's care and efforts made to protect health.

The President announced that negotiations on the procurement of the Chinese vaccine would be completed in the next seven to eight days, after the first quantities of the Pfizer and Sputnik V vaccines have arrived in Serbia, and pointed out that the Chinese vaccine was of exceptional quality, but probably the most expensive, which is why he wrote to the Chinese President and asked for a discount for our country.
Vucic thanked the Americans for deciding to sell the vaccine to our country and noted that no one in the region other than Serbia has received it, except for the small quantity that Albania got.

He pointed out that our state relied on itself and its own capacities, and that our state leadership anticipated that vaccines within the European COVAX plan would arrive late.

The President rejected the claims about bad results of Serbia in the fight against the corona virus and stated that our country has recorded the lowest corona virus mortality rate in the region.

He presented statistical information indicating that Slovenia had 144 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, North Macedonia 126, Bosnia and Herzegovina 123, Bulgaria 115, Montenegro 115, Hungary 110, Croatia 107, Romania 85, and Serbia 51.

"The mortality rate in the region is as follows: Bulgaria 3.9, Bosnia and Herzegovina 3.7, Hungary 3.11, North Macedonia 3.03, Romania 2.48. Slovenia 2.15, Croatia 1.99, Montenegro 1.4, and Serbia 1.0. This can be seen in the graphs and is no fabrication", the President stressed.

He said that the state will fight for vaccines, and that only Serbia, in the Western Balkans, received significant quantities of vaccines, other than a smaller quantity that Albania received, and added that in one day since the registration for vaccination opened, as many as 63,000 persons have registered.

President Vucic expressed his belief that the year ahead will be better than the previous one as well as that the corona virus will be defeated through vaccination of citizens.

Belgrade,
12 January 2021

Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikola Selakovic met today with Ambassador of the People's Republic of China Chen Bo.

Selakovic noted that the relations between Serbia and China continue to strengthen and expressed satisfaction with the dialogue and intensification of cooperation between Serbia and China during the corona virus pandemic.

The Serbian Foreign Minister pointed out that Serbia attached huge importance to further enriching the strategic partnership and strengthening the high and top level dialogue with the People's Republic of China, and also that the new Serbian Government continued to follow the guidelines set out by Serbian and Chinese Presidents, Aleksandar Vucic and Xi Jinping respectively. In this context, we are eagerly looking forward to President Xi Jinping paying a visit to Serbia as soon as possible, once the global epidemiological situation permits, Minister Selakovic underlined.

Furthermore, Minister Selakovic said that he was pleased with the cooperation maintained between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs, expressing a wish that further efforts be made to intensify it in the period ahead.

Serbia immensely values the principled position of China concerning the issue of Kosovo and Metohija, particularly in the framework of the UN and other international organizations and institutions, expecting the support to continue in the same spirit, Selakovic said.

Minister Selakovic said that Serbia was fully committed to intensifying cooperation with China through bilateral channels, but also through the "Belt and Road" initiative and China's cooperation mechanism with the countries of Central and Eastern Europe.

When it comes to economic cooperation, the Head of Serbian diplomacy expressed an expectation that the trend of Chinese direct investments in Serbia will continue, as well as that Serbian exports to China will record an increase.

Discussing the comprehensive cooperation between the two countries, Selakovic pointed out the cooperation in the field of culture and the opening of the Cultural Center of Serbia in Beijing, in November 2018, as being of special importance considering that it will contribute to a better knowledge of Serbia and our culture in China. At the same time, the Minister welcomed the planned opening of the Chinese Cultural Center in Belgrade, the foundation stone of which was laid by the President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping.

The Serbian Foreign Minister extended congratulations to the Ambassador, wishing her both personal and professional success in 2021, and thanked for the congratulatory message addressed to him on the occasion of the New Year by State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China Wang Yi.

Belgrade,
12 January 2021
 

This year, Serbia could finally have Ambassadors and Consuls General appointed to about a third of the currently vacant positions in the country's diplomatic and consular missions in the world, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikola Selakovic is convinced that most of these positions will be filled, as he points out, by the best possible people.

"In the next year, I am convinced that the majority of these vacancies will be filled", Selakovic told Tanjug, emphasizing that the work is being done gradually, because the state wants to show that is has a quality staff who will represent Serbia's interests in the best possible way.

The Head of Serbian diplomacy reminded that in a number of diplomatic missions, the four-year mandate of Ambassadors and Consuls General has already expired, so that the procedure for appointing new ones will follow, after their recall.

One of the "vacant" spots is the post of the Serbian Ambassador to China.

"We are working hard to find the best possible solution for our new Ambassador to China and as we appointed one of the best people in the state system as Ambassador to the United States, who, I am sure, will perform his duties in the best possible way, I am convinced that it will be the same for the Ambassador in Beijing", Selakovic said.

The Minister, who took over the foreign policy sector in the Government a little over two months ago, points out that circumstances in the world, as well as Serbia's position in it, have changed, but that Serbia's foreign policy goals do not change: the country remains strategically committed to European integration and, while pursuing the EU path, it will also strengthen traditional friendships with Russia and China, as well as promote and strengthen new partner relations with the United States.

"Relations in the region, good-neighborly relations, regional cooperation are also important for Serbia, because this fits into the set of requirements on the European path. But, even regardless of the European path, it is always important who you live next to, who you live with, what your neighbors are like and what the relations are like in the neighborhood", Minister Selakovic said.

He also points out that the issue of Kosovo and Metohija is of inestimable importance, it being the main national and state issue for Serbia and the Serbian people.

"When I say that circumstances are changing, but not the goals - the EU and European integration was our goal seven years ago as well, but look at what our room for maneuver was then, in terms of economic aspects, and look at it today. Circumstances changed, and then you adjust your actions to these changed circumstances, to the best extent possible", Minister Selakovic said.

He reminds that foreign policy priorities for 2021 were also outlined by the President of the Republic, and that maintaining peace and stability in the region is the absolute priority.

"Only in a peaceful and stable region of the Western Balkans and Southeast Europe can Serbia thrive economically, culturally and scientifically - in every respect. Peace and stability in the region  are “sine qua non” without which there is no development and progress. Serbia has acted, is acting and will act as a factor that stabilizes the entire region and maintains peace in the region, showing that it is the region that benefits everyone the most", Minister Selakovic said.

Relations in the region have always been complex, and the region, Minister Selakovic noted, is to our great regret, burdened with issues that we cannot have a bearing on, and which concern
the past.

Serbia's approach is to seek room to influence what is happening today and what will happen
happen in the future.

In this context, he states that the so-called "mini-Schengen" initiative for market unification of the region, which originated from Aleksandar Vucic and was met with a positive response from the Prime Ministers of Albania and North Macedonia, is one of the opportunities to do much more for the region.

"To show how much more we can do if we act together and if we seek our common denominators, and not what separates and divides us ", Selakovic points out.

When it comes to relations with the United States, Selakovic said that one should not expect the great powers to change their positions the way we would like, want or imagine, but that it is important that the Ambassador in Washington, Marko Djuric, also emphasized that his task, among other things, will be to make efforts to change the climate in bilateral relations with the United States - the most important country in the world, as our lacking communication with them in the past seriously affected the position of the Serbian people and Serbia.

"I am convinced that Djuric will work seriously on that, together with President Vucic, Prime Minister Brnabic and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and contribute to a large extent to changing that climate", Minister Selakovic said.

He points out that it is extremely important for Serbia to promote its partner relations with the United States to a higher level.

"This is a country with which we cooperate closely in many areas and a country with which we must strive, and not give up in doing so, to find what we have in common, our common ground and good examples of our cooperation in the past, and to create space for such cooperation in the future as well", Minister Selakovic concluded.

Our compatriots living abroad are one of the great potentials that the state has not recognized in the right way so far, which is why a different approach is needed to the issue of how to strengthen our diaspora and use the good will of people who are potential lobbyists for the interests of Serbia and the Serbian people, Foreign Minister Nikola Selakovic said.

"When it comes to Serbs in the diaspora, and especially in the region, this issue has been a kind of an unattended crop which requires a lot of work, and even when a lot is done at once this is not apparent immediately ", Minister Selakovic stated in an interview with Tanjug.

He emphasized that the appointment of the Director of the Office for Cooperation with the Diaspora and Serbs in the Region for the first time after almost seven years since this body was formed within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, shows that it is one of the priorities of the Ministry he is at the helm of.

Selaković notes that intensive efforts have been long underway on forming a plan to make the diaspora more visible both outside the borders of Serbia and in the mother country itself.

"Every person in the diaspora is a potential lobbyist for the interests of our country and people, and we need to find the right way to use that", he said.

That much can be done in that regar Selakovic illustrates with the fact that only in Switzerland, in 24 cities, there are Serbian cultural and artistic associations which amounts to more than 3,000 young people who get together in order to preserve our tradition, culture, the Serbian language and history.

"If they were able to set up such associations in 24 cities, it speaks volumes about the enthusiasm of these people. There is so much enthusiasm, energy and love in these people. We need to explore ways to help them and use their good will and potential", the Minister points out.

He also cites the example of an emigrant family in Canada, the Varaklic family from southwestern Serbia, who sends Christmas packages for children in the Raska region every year. He adds that they have so far donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to non-governmental organizations for those needs alone, but he says that we do not see that here.

"The state does not recognize this, and these are people who gained success as entrepreneurs working in a distant country, who can be serious lobbyists for Serbia, for Serbian interests, someone who represents us in the best possible way", Minister Selakovic said.

Minister Selakovic also pointed out that Arnaud Gouillon has been appointed as head of the Office for Cooperation with the Diaspora and Serbs in the Region and described him as a man of extraordinary energy, great love for the Serbian people, which he showed in his engagement towards Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija, where they were seriously endangered.

"By doing so, he showed and set an example to many of our compatriots of what an individual can do. And when one such individual focuses energy, enthusiasm and love for people, on work done within the state administration system, I think that the preconditions have been created for such activities to yield good results", Minister Selakovic said.

The New Year's video greeting from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia now available on the address

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lBa_AWOSjY

Preservation of peace, taking care of the health and better living standard are key for Serbia in 2021, underlined President of the Republic Aleksandar Vucic, convinced that even though the completion of this ambitious and by no means easy task will be anything but straightforward, best results can be achieved by working in concert with the Government, while ensuring security and a future of certainty for the citizens.

The President said that Serbia has set for itself great and ambitious goals for the next year, notwithstanding the complex international and regional circumstances, and that it will endeavour to fully preserve peace and stability in the region and the country, while safeguarding the vital national and state interests.

"Serbia will remain on the course of a winning policy - the policy of stability", President Vucic said and stressed that our country remains on the European integration path and that it will carefully foster its friendship with Russia and China, while building a friendship with the United States as well.

According to the President, Serbia will continue to pursue a winning policy, with the country itself as a top priority, i.e., a policy that will enable Serbia to continue being one of the top three countries in Europe in terms of growth rate in the next two years.

A precondition for that, the President noted, is to crack down on criminal groups, but also to ensure even bigger investments in the police and army forces.

"Serbia is the country that recorded the highest growth in Europe in 2020", the President pointed out at the annual press conference and added that he expects to conclude a new arrangement with the IMF, as well as that Serbia, by the end of next year or early 2022, will raise its credit rating to an "investment" one, which will put our country's rating on par with the most developed EU countries.

As the greatest success in 2020, Vucic noted that Serbia will end the year with the highest growth rate in Europe, which, as he said, is expected to be from minus 0.75 percent to minus one.

"I am proud to be the President of a country that is the European champion in terms of GDP",  Vucic pointed out and added that German Chancellor Angela Merkel was also pleased with Serbia's success.

According to President Vucic, this result will encourage Serbia to accelerate its European path, while continuing friendships with those who did not turn their backs on Serbia when it was at its darkest hour, namely Russia and China.

The President pointed out that the activities to attract foreign investors will continue, then that work will be done on investments in agriculture, primarily the food industry, new machinery, and digitalization of agriculture.

President Vucic also emphasized that the goal is for salaries in the public sector to average between 560 and 570 euros by the end of the year. Only in Belgrade, the average salary would be around 700 euros. 

President Vucic reminded that the salaries of health care workers will increase by five percent from January 1, while the salaries of others in the public sector will increase by 3.5 percent and an additional 1.5 percent as of April 1, while corporal, private first class and non-commissioned officer army ranks will get an increase of an additional 10 percent. He noted that the minimum wage will be increased by 6.6 percent and so will pensions from January 1, by 5.9 percent, with the plan that the average pension amounts to 270 euros by the end of 2021. The President especially pointed out investments in health care, reminding that two new covid hospitals have been opened and that the renovation and construction of health facilities continues throughout Serbia, while stressing that Serbia is by far the first in the region in terms of hospitalized persons per 100,000 citizens, which is why it has recorded a low mortality rate , and also that Serbia this year has been among the top three countries in the region according to the number of PCR tests performed.

Speaking about tourism, the President said that, next year, efforts will be made on the development of the Danube basin region, from Apatin to Kladovo, that the Ovcar-Kablar Gorge will be developed, as well as our mountain centers.

Discussing the field of culture and information, President Vucic said that the implementation of the media strategy and the completion of the reconstruction of the National Theater in Subotica are important for next year, and he announced investments in museums, especially emphasizing the relocation of the History Museum to the train station building. He also stated that the floor heating in the Church of Saint Sava will be completed next year.

He pointed out that the state will continue to take care of our citizens in Kosovo and Metohija, that no one can forbid Serbia to help its people, and that Serbia will not give up on helping our people.

As he emphasized, Serbia is ready to send medicines and vaccines to the Albanian population as well, and pointed out that in the upcoming period our country will pursue a policy of peace in the region and will endeavour to cooperate with Zagreb, Sarajevo, Podgorica and others.

Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia Ana Brnabic received today the first vaccine against the coronavirus made by Pfizer company, at the Torlak Institute of Virology, Vaccines and Sera.

Brnabic, who is the first European Prime Minister to receive the vaccine, pointed out that this day may be the first since 6 March that we have a reason for a smile on our faces as it marks the beginning of the end of the coronavirus pandemic in Serbia, but also in Europe and the world.

As Prime Minister and as someone who leads the COVID-19 Crisis Response Team, I felt obliged to be the first to receive the vaccine, to show that we believe in it, as well as in our institutions - the Medicines and Medical Devices Agency of Serbia and experts who worked round the clock to test the vaccine, she said.

Underlining that it was an honour to do this for her country and be the first to pave the way for all citizens, the Prime Minister said that she agreed with President of the Republic Aleksandar Vucic that the two of them receive different vaccines, so he will most likely receive the next one that arrives, most probably the one produced by China.

At the moment we have the Pfizer-BioNTech consortium vaccine, and the vaccines from the Chinese Sinopharm are expected in the near future, as well as certain quantities of the Russian vaccine Sputnik V.

She expressed her belief that at the end of the first quarter or the beginning of the second quarter of next year we will have the vaccine of the company AstraZeneca, and after that the vaccine manufactured by Moderna.

As we promised, all vaccines licensed in their countries and approved by relevant international agencies will be available to our citizens, and of course they will be tested by all of our agencies and institutes as well, the Prime Minister pointed out.

She said that prior to the vaccination of health care workers, Minister of Health Zlatibor Loncar will also receive a vaccine shot as we endeavour to serve as an example and show how confident we are in the vaccines and institutions.

Brnabic pointed out that Serbia, not counting Great Britain, is the first country in Europe to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, and the third to start a mass immunization and campaign for giving the vaccine - after Great Britain and Switzerland.

We achieved something very important and we will not stop even for a moment until the immunization of the population is completed, the Prime Minister said.

She specified that our country will receive another 16,000 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in January, as well as that together with other vaccines we will have a total of one million doses in January, and a total of approximately two million doses during the first quarter of next year.

There is a dynamic on which Pfizer delivers vaccines and it varies depending on the production, and this is the case with deliveries to both Serbia and all other countries worldwide. We expected to receive 10,000 doses from Pfizer-BioNTech in December, however 4,807 doses arrived, the Prime Minister explained.

Serbia demonstrated that it is able to fight and succeed if we all work as a team, Brnabic said and called on all not to see the beginning of vaccination as the end of the fight already, but to continue to apply all measures instead.

This is to be certain and to be able to help our health care workers, and once the immunity is acquired we will be able to slowly start taking off the masks in 2021, but until then we should not see this as a victory but as the beginning of the end, the Prime Minister concluded.

After the Prime Minister, vaccine shots were also administered to the Minister of Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs and a member of the COVID-19 Crisis Response Team Darija Kisic Tepavcevic and to Predrag Kon who is also on the COVID-19 Crisis Response Team.

Furthermore, vaccine shots were also given to Head of the MMA Department for the Prevention and Control of Nosocomial Infections prof. Dr. Vesna Suljagic and academician Predrag Pesko, professor of Belgrade and Heidelberg universities and full member of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts.

The first quantities of the vaccine arrived in Serbia on 22 December, and today they will be administered to patrons of nursing homes in Belgrade and Novi Sad.

Serbia is the first country in the region to receive a shipment of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

In addition to procuring the vaccine among the first countries in the world, even before EU countries, Serbia is one of the rare countries that managed to build and open two covid hospitals in record time. The hospitals with 930 beds in Batajnica and 500 beds in Krusevac are a major contribution to the expansion of capacities and strengthening the health care system in the fight against coronavirus and, as President Vucic said, represent a monument of the future, that will talk about the accomplishments the state made in a short time.

Also, we recall that investments in health infrastructure have been large in Serbia, and since 2016, 80 health centers and clinics have been renovated, and works are underway on six large health centers. This way more than EUR 200 million was invested in the reconstruction, construction and equipping of hospitals and more than 300 million in the renovation of clinics and specialized hospitals, and many have already been completed, such as the University Children's Hospital Tiršova, and KBC Zemun nad KBC "Dragiša Mišović" hospitals.

The absolute priority of the Serbian Government is the successful completion of health infrastructure projects that are underway, but great attention is also paid to health workers,
whose salaries have, by 2020, been increased by 56.8% for specialist doctors, and 66.9% for
nurses, while significant funding is invested in the education of health professionals, as well as in equipment and working conditions.

Like other countries, Serbia has faced great challenges this year, most notably health challenges, and all factors in the state were focused on preventing the spread of the virus and safeguarding the lives and health of citizens. Serbia has faced these challenges better than many wealthier and more developed countries in Europe and the world.

Belgrade,
24 December 2020

Starting from 20 December foreign citizens will not be allowed to enter Serbia without a negative PCR test not older than 48 hours.
       Control at border crossings will be stepped up and all foreign nationals will be required to provide a negative PCR test, regardless of from which country they are entering Serbia.
          For the citizens of Serbia will be required to stay in home isolation for 10 days if they do not have a negative PCR test. The quarantine can be interrupted when they provide a negative PCR test.
           This measure will be effective as of 20 December until 10 January.

We announce that the Decisions No. 115 – 400/30-2020/01 и 116 – 240/30-2020/01 regarding co-financing of projects that, through their quality, contribute to the preservation and strengthening of ties between the home country and Serbs in the region and the home country and the Diaspora were rendered, according to the public call open from 18 May till 1 June 2020. You can have an insight of the Decisions at the following links:  

https://www.dijaspora.gov.rs/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/odluka-region-2020-postpisana.pdf

https://www.dijaspora.gov.rs/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/odluka-dijaspora-2020-postpisana.pdf

In accordance with the Decision of the Government of the Republic of Serbia on the termination of the Decision on closing all border crossings for entry into the Republic of Serbia, i.e. the possibility of entry of all foreign nationals into the Republic of Serbia without permits, conditions have been created for issuing visas for foreign nationals in all diplomatic-consular missions of the Republic of Serbia, with the application of preventive measures in order to prevent the spread of the COVID - 19 disease (wearing masks and gloves, keeping a distance, making an appointment for visits, etc.).

25th May 2020

The Government of the Republic of Serbia on its session on 19th of May 2020. adopted a Decision to cancel previous Protocol for closing all border crossing in the Republic of Serbia. Serbian citizens and foreigners can enter into the Republic of Serbia without any restrictions.
According to the new Decision all border crossings for passengers in road, rail, air and water traffic in the Republic of Serbia are open again, starting from 19th of May 2020. and all border crossing will work normally.
All persons entering the territory of the Republic of Serbia will be handed health warnings stating that they are entering the territory where the virus is still circulating, as well as instructions how to prevent the infection.
Foreign citizens with temporary residence permit in the Republic of Serbia, who were in abroad when their temporary residence permit was expired, can enter to the Republic of Serbia until 1st of July 2020, and apply for the new residence permit in the period of 30 days of their entering to Serbia. Their temporary residence permit shall be considered as valid.

Today at the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Beijing, representatives of associations of overseas Chinese and Chinese enterprises, led by Ms. Linda Wong, President of the Beijing Yihai Foundation, handed over humanitarian aid to Serbia for combating the epidemic.

Overseas Chinese Charity Foundation of China, Beijing Overseas Friendship Association, Beijing Returned Overseas Chinese Federation and Beijing Chinese Business Association, Beijing Overseas Chinese Chamber of Commerce, China Construction First Group Corporation Limited, Beijing Bright Sunshine Foundation, Beijing Fengtai Returned Overseas Chinese Federation jointly prepared 201.000 masks, 10.000 testing kits, 600 protective suits, 55.000 gloves, 3000 protective goggles and 5000 protective footwear.

Ambassador Milan Bacevic thanked the donors for their assistance and emphasized that the two countries have always stood side by side in the most most difficult times. In a gesture of gratitude, the Ambassador delivered certificate of appreciation to the Chinese representatives.

Ms. Linda Wong stated that the Chinese diaspora, no matter where they are in the world, value the friendship between Serbia and China and are always ready to help the Serbian brother people.

Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Beijing extends its deep gratitude to all Chinese friends for their solidarity and selfless support to the Republic of Serbia in its efforts to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus.

Given the strong interest of the Chinese citizens in making donations in medical supplies, the Embassy will open its doors to receive donations on weekdays from 9am to 4pm and answer your inqueries.

From 5-9pm, telephone +86 13661313752 will be available.

The Embassy currently does not have a channel for money donation.

Thank you all so much!

At the news of an outbreak of epidemic in the Republic of Serbia, Chinese citizens have been providing assistance on their own initiative in medical supplies, which has been successively arriving at the Embassy these days. The collected amount is 897 kg, 90 boxes respectively, containing medical masks, protective suits, gloves and glasses and it was today shipped to the Milsped warehouse from where will be further transported to Serbia.

We hereby express our deep gratitude for the gesture of solidarity of the Chinese people, that further affirms the „iron friendship“ between Serbia and China.

In accordance with Decision of the Government of the Republic of Serbia in order to implement metatheses to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 epidemic,  it is established Commission for granting permissions for entering to the Republic of Serbia.
Main task of the above mentioned Commission is to issue permit for entering, staying or transiting through the territory of the Republic of Serbia to foreigners in special cases, and to determine the conditions and limitations of transit/ or  stay during the protection measures against COVID-19 epidemic.
The Commission consists of representatives of the Ministry of Health,  the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Civil Engineering, Transport and Infrastructure.
It is required special procedure for issuing this kind of permit.
Foreign Diplomatic Missions, Consular Offices and Offices of International Organisations, in the Republic of Serbia, are obliged to apply for permits with sending the Note Verbal on the following address:
radnotelo-covod19@mfa.rs

The request for issuing a permit/license should contain the following information:
- Name and surname of the person;
-Number of travel document (passport or personal ID card) and citizenship;
-border crossing for entering Republic of Serbia;
-Border crossing for exiting from Republic of Serbia and final destination (in case of transit);
-Place and address during their stay in the Republic of Serbia (in case of residence permit);
-Registration number and type of transport vehicle which is entered/or transit through the Republic of Serbia;
-Data of the driver and also if it is possible,  phone number of the driver;
Incomplete requests will not be take in consideration.
The Commission will, on the basis of all data, decide of the conditions and limitations of the transit or stay in the Republic of Serbia, including the period of allowed retention in the Republic of Serbia.

March 17th 2020

On March 15th 2020. Government of the Republic of Serbia 2020. has brought new methods in order to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak. According to new methods it is allowed for some categories of foreigners to enter to the Republic of Serbia under special conditions:
- For persons for whom special working committee of the Government of the Republic of Serbia granted permission to enter, stay or transit throught the territory of the Republic of Serbia;
This working committee is consisting of the representatives of the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure.
This Working committee will determine the conditions and limitations of the transit and/or residence of persons granted permission to enter the Republic of Serbia;
- For humanitarian convoys under a mandatory escort, for which entering has been approved by diplomatic way;
-Accredited members of the foreign Diplomatic and Consular Missions, as well as Offices of International Organizations and members of their families who are holders of specific ID cards, i.e. identification documents issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the General Secretariat of the Government;
- For foreigners to whom are approved temporary of residence or stay permit in the Republic of Serbia;
-Foreign citizens who are coming from countries, i.e. areas with intensive transmission of COVID-19, such as: Swiss Confederation, Republic of Italy, Islamic Republic of Iran, Romania, Kingdom of Spain, Federal Republic of Germany, French Republic, Republic of Austria, Republic of Slovenia and the Republic of Greece, are obliged to be in isolation for 28 days;
- Persons who are coming from other countries, it is requested to stay under health supervision for 14 days (insulation in home conditions, i.e. self-isolation).

March 17th 2020.
 

According to the Decision of the Government of the Republic of Serbia on declaring the epidemic of COVID-19 and the introduction state of emergency in the territory of Republic of Serbia, in the next period Embassy of the Republic of Serbia shall not receive visa requirements for foreigners who intend to travel Republic of Serbia.
The applicants who have submitted visa requirements or are in a visa verification procedure, visa will be issued after the end of the current situation with COVID-19.

March 17 2020
 

Starting from March 16th 2020. Beijing Municipal Government published the methods related to strength prevention of spreading COVID-19 outbreak from abroad. 

All passengers coming from abroad should be sent to appointed location for isolation of 14 days, and they should be responsible for all of the cost by themselves (accommodation, medical or hospital costs).
The measure was introduced after it was confirmed that in last several days all registered cases of the infected in Beijing came from abroad.
 

Starting from March 15th 2020  it is declared state of emergency in the Republic of Serbia to implement preventive measures against the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak.
According to this situation at the border crossings will be organized unites of Border Police of the Republic of Serbia, Sanitation services, and Army of the Republic of Serbia.
Entry to the Republic of Serbia is allowed only  for citizens of the Republic of Serbia, returning from abroad, diplomats and foreign nationals with residence permits of the Republic of Serbia.
Citizens of the Republic of Serbia, who are coming from abroad to the Republic of Serbia, are obliged to implement self-isolation measures for 14 days, and those who come from focal point of epidemic ispolation should be  for 28 days. The police, army and local comunities will control whether the rules are respected. For those who are not respect the rules will be given sentances of up to three years in prison.

The Government of the Republic of Serbia declared that COVID-19 infection is an infective disease and because of that tooks all measures to prevent the spread and suppression of the disease, so that can  protect the population.
In accordance with the decision of the Serbian Government, to protect against the spreading of infectious diseases, from 11 of March 2020, the competent authorities will temporarily prohibit or limit the entry and movement of foreign citizens coming from the area with the intensive transmission of the disease of COVID-19, i.e. a focal point of epidemic, to the territory of the Republic of Serbia, such as:
Hubei Province, Peoples Republic of China,
The town of Degu (Daegu) Province of North Gjongsang (North Gyueongsang),
Republic of Korea,
Canton (Ticino), Swiss Confederation, and
Islamic Republic of Iran;
competent authorities will temporarily prohibit or restrict entry and movement.
The above mentioned measures do not apply to participants in the transport of goods and persons who have received the consent to enter the Republic of Serbia from the Ministry of Health.

In the interview to the state-run media, Ambassador Milan Bacevic emphasized that Serbia and China shared the tragedy of NATO bombing, during which the Chinese friends chose to stay in Belgrade. This time without fear of virus, Serb are standing by the Chinese side.

“Serbia is a small country, but a big friend of China, ready to help in any possible way within its capabilities”. That was also the message of President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic to Chinese President Xi Jinping. As a gesture of solidarity, the visit of the Frist Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dacic last week marked the first visit of a foreign minister to China ever since the outbreak of epidemic. By the decision of the Government of the Republic of Serbia, the aid consisted of medical and technical supplies will be sent to China and it is expected to arrive soon.

The ambassador said that Serbia has great admiration for the efforts being made by the Chinese authorities to mobilize resources and forces at all levels to combat the epidemic thus demonstrating superior leadership, high level of awareness and discipline of its people in the crucial moment. In the same time, in parallel with the fight against the epidemic, it is making maximum efforts to preserve the stability and sustainability of economic development. The strong connection and the level of trust between the Chinese people and authorities, as well as between the ordinary citizens, entrepreneurs and the leadership is telling us that China, will very quickly return to fulfilling its developmental goals, after final battle against the epidemic and compensate every setback caused by the force of circumstances.

Responding to the journalist’s question on his views of cooperation between China and international community in joint fight against epidemic, as well as of management of information, the ambassador said that China makes great efforts in strengthening cooperation on regional and global level, delivers information timely and coordinates its policies and recourses with other countries and WHO that shows its solidarity and empathy in this joint combat against epidemic.

Whole interview is available at the following link

http://http://www.zwxw.net/zwxw/List.asp?ID=2296&from=singlemessage&isappinstalled=0

First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dacic paid a visit to the People’s Republic of China 26-28 February 2020, during which he met with State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi, Vice President Wang Qishan and Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China Song Tao.

At the meeting with Minister Wang Yi, it was emphasized that it was the first visit of a foreign minister to China since the outbreak of the epidemic, which the Chinese side greatly appreciates. Wang Yi said that Serbia and China have common interests, sharing wheal and woe. As partners in the joint construction of Belt and Road and the China-CEEC mechanism, the two countries are leading in joint projects in the CEEC region. Minister Dacic noted that China's efforts to curb the epidemic are highly admired in Serbia. He also expressed his confidence that the current situation will be overcome in the shortest possible time and that China will return in full capacity to its development goals. He condemned the politicization of the epidemic in the Western media that is used as anti-China views. The progress of bilateral relations and mutual political trust is highly appreciated, which will be further boosted by the forthcoming visit of the President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic in April for attending the China-CEEC Summit, as well as President Xi's visit to Serbia this year.

On the second day of his visit to Beijing, Minister Dacic met with Vice President Wang Qishan. Minister Dacic expressed his solidarity with China and his belief that the current situation will not obstruct China's developmental plans. During the meeting, it was reiterated that the bilateral relations are exceptionally good, characterized by the level of comprehensive strategic partnership, solidified by „iron friendship“, mutual support in matters of vital interest, as well as the active presence of Chinese companies in Serbia. Vice President Wang said that the fight to have the coronavirus epidemic put under control was also the fight for the security and good health of the Chinese people, but of the global community as a whole, too, given that the efforts made by China started to show results, thus allowing many countries to save precious time. Minister Dacic invited Vice President Wang to pay a visit to Serbia.

Minister Dacic also met with Song Tao, Minister of the International Liaison Department of the CPC. The two ministers expressed their pleasure with the very high quality of the relations between the two countries. which are boosted by inter-party relations. Minister Dacic expressed his hope that China would win the fight against the epidemic in the immediate future. Minister Song expressed his gratitude to Minister Dacic for visiting China at such a difficult moment in time.

During the talks with the Chinese hosts, support for China in the fight against the epidemic and appreciation for principled support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Serbia when it comes to solving Kosovo's problems were underlined. In the same time, it was reiterated that Serbia firmly upholds the „One China“ principle and supports China when it comes to issues related to China's core interests and major concerns such as Taiwan, Xinjiang and Hong Kong issues.

In an interview with CRI, ambassador Bacevic has stated that China has taken all necessary measures to prevent the spread of the epidemic in a very short time. China has thus showed to the world a high level of social organization, patriotism of its people and confidence in the leadership, efforts of medical workers as well as research and development, health care institutions that are able to fight for the country together.

Many countries have assisted China in its effort to prevent and control the epidemic, regardless of their capacities, thus expressing compassion for China in these difficult times. „Serbia is a small country, but at the moment it is providing maximum support to China, not only verbally but also in terms of providing humanitarian aid, as much as it can“

The ambassador has also noted that since the outbreak of the epidemic, some countries have adopted biased reports that have led to widespread panic and discrimination against Chinese citizens abroad. Stating that the epidemic is a sudden occurrence that no country is immune to the spread of the new virus, the ambassador said the Chinese leadership attaches great importance to the health situation in the country and beyond. Chinese authorities also show equal care for foreign nationals in China who enjoy the same level of protection as Chinese people.

You can watch the interview at the links of the China International Radio website and the official CCTV app for short videos.

http://serbian.cri.cn/20200220/3028f534-c50f-5cd6-f32e-fb3f2aeb9edc.html

https://m.yangshipin.cn/video?type=0&vid=a000099lrt5&ptag=4_1.0.0.17106_wxf&from=singlemessage&isappinstalled=0

Sponsored by the Beijing University of Economics and Business Education Fund Beijing Creative Industry and Culture Company Feifan Zhilu Mr. Gao Ping on 14 December 2019, at the premises of the Center for the Exchange of Chinese Handicrafts and Arts in Beijing, a humanitarian exhibition of the art workshop of the ambassadors’ spouses "Colorful World" was held. Addressing the guests, spouse of the Serbian ambassador, Mrs. Dana Bacevic, a founder of the workshop, said that the spouses had devoted their interest in the artistic experience to a noble mission, adding that the art colony had become not only a place of their socializing and a source of inspiration but also a home of hope.

The fourth exhibition presented 60 works that are a treasure trove of different artistic techniques, motifs and colors from all over the world that belong to the spouses of ambassadors of Tunisia, Palestine, Bulgaria, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Guyana, Azerbaijan, Jordan, Belarus, Bahamas, Korea, Montenegro. Croatia, Argentina, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Suriname, Sudan, Pakistan, Panama, Ghana and the USA.

The raised funds, as part of Beijing University of Economics and Business's newly established Culture and Arts Fund, will be directed to those who are most in need.

The event was attended by many guests from Chinese cultural life, as well as members of diplomatic circle.

For photos, please go to the link. https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/yzqjrgRho27TlWq7bH9Nkw

首都经济贸易大学教育基金会“文化艺术基金”设立
12月14日，在“世界的颜色——大使夫人看中国”系列中外文化交流暨“大使夫人慈善艺术展”启动仪式上，首都经济贸易大学教育基金会“文化艺术基金”正式设立。
mp.weixin.qq.com

Ambassador M. Bacevic, at the invitation of State Counselor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China Wang Yi, gave a speech on the event dedicated to China's northwestern Qinghai province - “China in the New Era: Beautiful Qinghai, From the Source of Three Rivers to the World”. The event was held in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China on 26 November 2019

In his address, Ambassador Bacevic said that  the year celebrating the 70th anniversary of the founding of the new China has given us an opportunity to witness the results achieved by the Chinese leadership during many years of undertaking a balanced and synchronized development of all provinces. The presentation of Qinghai province is therefore an opportunity to better understand the achievements of the People's Republic of China in its strategy to elevate its outermost regions to a higher level of development, transform them into a healthy investment environments, create opportunities for better environmental protection, education and talent retention. With a record of poverty elimination, the People's Republic of China has succeeded in fulfilling one of its national goals while in the same time affirming its role as a responsible international actor in the global struggle against poverty.

China's determination to open up its western region more to the world is compatible with the needs of a number of countries, including Serbia, to attract investment, export its products and achieve mutual benefits through people-to-people exchange, technology transfer and knowledge.

Serbian-Chinese „iron friendship”, confirmed by its endurance for almost seven decades, with record of high level visits in the last four years, as well as by the first visa-free agreement with a country from CEE region, accumulated investment and growing social exchange, have contributed to a greater understanding of contemporary Serbia and China. Identifying opportunities for joint growth and progress, thus strengthening the foundations of decades longstanding friendship between the two countries, gives a solid foundation for expanding Serbia’s cooperation with Qinghai province.

Qinghai Province is a treasure trove of natural resources, that is known as „water tower“ due to the river head of Asia's three longest rivers on the „roof of the world“ - the Yangtze, the Yellow River and the Mekong. The modern progress of this province is characterized by interactive development between ecological environment and sustainable growth. Qinghai is also the center of the largest pilot zone of the circular economy in the country, as well as the largest source of clean energy supply in the world. It is rich in natural resources, oil, gas, and has valuable supplies of the rarest metal minerals.

Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia H.E. A. Brnabic led delegation in a multi-day visit to the People's Republic of China for the purpose of attending the 2nd China International Import Fair in Shanghai 3-8 November 2019. With the President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping, President of France E. Macron, Prime Minister of Greece K. Micotakis and Prime Minister of Jamaica E. Holmes, Prime Minister Brnabic was one of the keynote speakers at the opening ceremony of the Fair. On that occasion, she conveyed that the Government of the Republic of Serbia wants to deepen cooperation with the People's Republic of China, as the two countries share the same economic vision of the 21st century - a vision of sustainable development, economic interdependence, balanced trade, as well as peaceful and mutually beneficial cooperation. After the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Brnabic toured the fairgrounds together with the leaders of other countries. The fair has brought together around 150 countries and 3,000 companies.

The greatest attention was paid to the bilateral meeting with the President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping, during which the main discussed topics were the overall bilateral, economic and political relations of the two countries, as well as the joint contribution to the “Belt and Road” initiative. This meeting was another confirmation of excellent political relations between the two countries, which share a vision of a world that is open and free for the movement of people, goods, services and capital, a world free of barriers, as Premier Brnabic pointed out.
The delegation also visited the national booth of the Republic of Serbia that showcased mostly quality Serbian wines, dairy products, as well as organic aronia and truffle products.
Visit was continued by a series of meetings with Chinese officials and representatives of Huawei, HBIS and Bank of China, followed by Serbian - Chinese business forum during which Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Office of Information Technology and Electronic Governance and Huawei Technologies.
Premier Brnabic was also a guest of the prestigious Shanghai Jiaotong University, where she gave lecture in front of a large audience consisted of the Chinese and Serbian students. Brnabic spoke about the relations between Serbia and China, and also about our country's efforts to become one of the leaders in the development of innovative technologies.
The multi-day visit continued with a tour of the capital city of Zhejiang - Hangzhou, where Premier Brnabic met with provincial leadership - secretary of the CCP Provincial Committee Che Jun and Governor Yuan Jiajun, as well as with executives of one of China's most important companies - Alibaba, HikVision and of high-tech park Dreamtown.
Upon her return to Shanghai, Prime Minister Brnabic attended the opening ceremony of Marina Maljkovic's Basketball Academy, where girls from China, like their peers in Serbia, will be able to practice basketball for free. The visit to the district was also used for a tour of the port Wusongkou, the largest cruise ship dock in Asia.
The delegation of Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia included also President of the National Council for Cooperation with the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China T. Nikolic, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Trade, Tourism and Telecommunications R. Ljajic, Minister of Mining and Energy A. Antic, Minister in charge of Innovation and Technological Development N. Popovic, as well as the President of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce M. Cadez.

Аmbassador Milan Bacevic attended the presentation of the Hunan Province “China in the New Era: Innovative Hunan Embracing the World”, jointly organized by China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the People's Government of Hunan Province, on 12 September, 2019. On this occasion, Ambassador Bacevic had a conversation with the Foreign Minister Wang Yi during which both sides reaffirmed the readiness to consider possibilities of cooperation between Serbia and Huanan province in the field of mutual interest. Ambassador Bacevic also met with the provincial governor Mr. Xu Dazhe and party secretary, Mr. Du Jiahao who extended an invitation to the Ambassador to visit Hunan in the near future, to which the Ambassador responded positively.
Promotion has aimed at showcasing significant achievements in economic and social development that Hunan has made since the founding of the People's Republic of China. It has shown also how the province promotes the Belt and Road Initiative and improves the layout of development by leveraging the geographical strengths of Hunan as it connects the eastern coastal region with central and western regions, and the Yangtze River Economic Belt with the open coastal economic belt.
Known as the cradle of the Chinese revolution and home to many great souls of the Chinese history including in the first place the founder of new China Mao Zedong, Hunan  has opened itself to become a key transport artery of central China. Over recent years, Hunan has been committed to innovation-driven opening up and rising in its pursuit of development, reaching GDP of 3, 64 trillion RMB and ranking eighth in the country.
In conversation with the Chinese hosts, there has been exchanged of opinions on possible field of cooperation such as agriculture, engineering machinery, infrastructure construction, tourism and other fields that could increase the possibility of sharing development opportunities.

Charity art exhibition "The Colors of the World" was held in Beijing on 29th of May, at the Art Museum Hotel where the spouses of the ambassadors in Beijing, participants of the art workshop of Dana Bacevic, spouse of ambassador Milan Bacevic, presented their works.

Participants from 26 countries, spouses of ambassadors (Bulgaria, Croatia, USA, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Montenegro, Azerbaijan, Sudan, Pakistan, India, Guyana, Indonesia, Tunisia, Iraq, Ghana, Kazakhstan, Senegal, Palestine, Sudan, Kuwait and etc.) presented 54 works with the aim of collecting a charitable donation that will go to the state foundation Song Qingling, and then further, to those in need.

The exhibition was opened by a professor from the prestigious Chinese Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA), Ms. Lin Xiaochu. The exhibition was attended by many representatives from dipcor, primarily ambassadors and their spouses, then representatives of the Chinese foundation and the media.

CCTV broadcasted an interview of Ambassador M. Bacevic on its news channel with title "The Belt and Road Initiative comes at right time" which is originally adopted from Yangze News of the Hubei Satellite TV. The interview was realized during the recent visit of Ambassador Bacevic to Wuhan, the capital of the city of Hubei.

The Ambassador talked about the role and potentials of Serbia in cooperation with China as well as within the Belt and Road. Speaking of the initiative, ambassador said that it represent the turning point on the development path of Serbia, and in that sense, he stated several examples of the capital Chinese investments in energy and transportation infrastructure, development of resources and production in Serbia.

Click here to see the video:

http://news.cctv.com/2019/04/26/VIDELxx7naAZSWjF9UoJFjyG190426.shtml

Wechat linke: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/RmvgKWyN7uTs90Xx5Dxobg

Right before marking the Day of victory over the fascism, in the presence of Ambassador M. Bacevic, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina A. Rill, Film Center Sarajevo, Huahua Media and Dandelion Productions Inc. have formally signed the agreement to remake the classic war film The Bridge and the Memorandum of Cooperation with regards to the film Walter Defends Sarajevo.

As anti-fascist films that were known throughout China in the 1960s and 1970s, The Bridge and the Walter were imprinted into the Chinese collective memory. The richness of characters whose epic dimension depicts the romanticism of the revolution, music and film dialogues kept the eternal artistic charm remaining as the common place of two different cultures. 

Ambassador M. Bacevic said that the two classics, The Bridge and Walter represent not only the cultural good of all peoples of the republic of former Yugoslavia but also the evidence of the Serbian-Chinese friendship.  The remake should further cultural exchange bilaterally as well as within the framework of the Belt and Road initiative by strengthening friendship between the two peoples.  

Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina A. Rill said the films have a reputation of  classics and that music from the movies is recognized by the many. This remake will certainly bring a new rise of the cultural influence of China in B&H, and in view of the expansion of the Belt and Road initiative, in other countries as well, so the young generation can perceive and understand the strength of two classic films whose popularity was spread beyond the national borders.

Chairman of the Huahua Media Board, Wang Kefei, said this cooperation embodies the Chinese mission of strengthening culture ties and exchange within Belt and Road that will additionally deepen friendship between China and Serbia.

Representative of Serbian producers and president of Dandelion Productions Inc., P. Antonijevic commented that The Bridge and Walter are anthological films of Serbian cinematography and that their contents and characters have surpassed cultural and language barriers, becoming the most popular foreign films in China. The remake project unite the efforts of Chinese, Serbian and Bosnian-Herzegovinian film authors who find that the new version of movies will help the global audience to reconnect with the film stories.

Director General of Film Center Sarajevo J. Durakovic said that the movies are the most well-known cultural goods in the film archives of Bosnia and Herzegovina and still enjoy the highest television ratings. He expressed his hope that the remake will bring the national culture of B&H and the Serbian people closer to the rest of the world audience.

According to the collected information, the movie The Bridge entered the preliminary phase of preparation. Its film making is expected to start at the beginning of 2020.

National Day reception was held in Beijing on Friday, March 22nd. The event was realized after a month of delay out of respect for the China’s Spring festival.

Ambassador Bačević stressed the long tradition of friendship between the two countries and expressed that he is very proud of the fact that the relations between the two countries elevated to the level of comprehensive strategic partnership, that was established during the visit of President Xi Jinping to Serbia in 2016.

He announced that in April President Aleksandar Vučić will take part in the Second Belt and Road Forum and Prime Minister Ana Brnabić will participate at the "16 + 1" Summit in Dubrovnik.

Speaking of the achievements of bilateral cooperation, Ambassador Bačević expressed satisfaction with the progress of infrastructure projects, of which the most important is the modernization of the Belgrade-Budapest railway that serves as a part of a wider structural connectivity network between southern and central Europe and China. Direct Chinese investment in Železara Smederevo plays a special role for the development of the Serbian economy. Better mutual understanding between peoples and culture exchanges are the basis of deepening of relations between two countries where the Cultural Center of Serbia "Ivo Andric" in Beijing has a great importance.

The Ambassador reminded on the 20 years anniversary of the NATO bombing of Serbia during which China and its people then, as now, were with the Serbian people, defended their position based on international law and jointly suffered a tragedy. He also thanked for Chinese support to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Serbia.

Special guest was Deputy Director of the European Department of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mr. Lu Shan. Around two hundred fifty attendees, including representatives of the diplomatic corps, party and state officials, representatives of provincial governments, business people, artists, professors, students and part of the Serbian diaspora attended the event.

Ambassador Milan Bacevic visited the city of Jilin of Jilin province where he talked to  Party Secretary of the City Committee Mr. Wang Tangkai.

In his welcoming word to the ambassador, who has been to Jilin trice, Secretary Wang expressed his gratitude for ambassador’s personal contribution in encouraging the development of cooperation between Jilin city and Serbia and expressed his expectations for expansion of cooperation fields concluding there are great potentials for it, especially in regard to the complementary advantages of Serbia and Jilin.

During his visit of Jilin, ambassador Bacevic hosted a business forum where he presented investment opportunities and strategic projects in Serbia in which companies from Jilin can also take part, following the example of successfully realized Serbian-Chinese projects.

Аmbassador Milan Bacevic visited Harbin 25-28 February 2019, where he was welcomed by Mayor of Harbin Mr. Sun Zhe. The meeting of two officials featured the recently established sister city relations between Harbin and Uzice as well as the complementarity of their cooperation. During his visit to Harbin, the Ambassador visited the Faculty of Slavic Studies of the Harbin Normal University and met with rector Mr. Sun Lijun, with whom he exchanged views on promoting of the Serbian language course and ways of intensifying the students exchange. Ambassador Bacevic spent time in conversation with students who after watched the movie “Lullaby for Soldiers”.

Ambassador Milan Bacevic has congratulated the upcoming Chinese New Year in a video message of the Sino-Asia Web TV Station. By conveying the best wishes for good health and successful year to the users of this online channel, Ambassador Bacevic has also congratulated 70th Anniversary of the establishment of the People’s Republic of China and its achievements that it has accomplished during seven decades. 

He has praised China's role in world affairs, its activism in expanding partnerships and strengthening friendships with many countries, thus contributing to its international credibility. Special merit belongs to the „Belt and Road“ initiative where smaller countries position themselves as well while recognizing their political and economic interest. As one of the countries on the “Belt and Road” route, Serbia looks forward to the success of China with which it cultivates the relationship of “iron friendship”.

To view Ambassador’s video message, please click here.

With the music of traditional string instrument “gusle” and the Serbian contemporary art exhibition, on 29 November 2018 Minister of Culture and Media of the Republic of Serbia H.E. Mr. Vladan Vukosavljevic and Minister of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China H.E. Mr. Luo Shugang, as the honorable guest, unveiled the Cultural Center of Serbia – Ivo Andric in the 798 Art District in Beijing.

Minister Vukosavljevic said that strategic partnership, deep friendship and highly dynamic cultural and art cooperation between the two countries have been decisive in opting for establishing the place where Chinese citizens will have an opportunity to get acquainted with Serbian culture.

The intention is to affirm the beauty of the deep core of Serbian tradition to the diversity of dynamic Serbian contemporary fine and applied arts. The Center will in the future also promote Serbian film, language and literature. The programs of the Center will also show Serbia as a tourist destination for the Chinese – by means of various festivals and diverse cultural heritage.

Minister Luo Shugang expressed his warm congratulations emphasizing the significance of the event for everyone in China, especially for bilateral cultural ties of two countries, as it serves as a new window through the Chinese audience will learn more about the Serbian past and present. It is expected the Chinese Culture Center will be opened next 2019 year in Belgrade.

The Cultural Center of Serbia was given the name of Ivo Andric, the world renowned Serbian Nobel Prize winner for literature and it is the second Serbian cultural center in the world.

Pursuant to the Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Serbia 05 No. 037-9445/2018-1 of 11 October, 2018, for the purpose of organizing the events and promotion of the exibition of the Republic of Serbia at the China International Import Expo in Shanghai, People’s Republic of China, the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia to the People’s Republic of China make public Invitation to Bid and Bid Form in the Procedure of Awarding Contract for the Provision of Services of Organizing the events and promotion of the exhibition  of the Republic of Serbia at the China International Import Expo in Shanghai.

Invitation to Bid, click here

Bid form, click here

 Embassy of the Republic of Serbia
 to the People’s Republic of China

 Data: 20 October, 2018

                                             TO WHOM IS MAKE CONCERN

On behalf of the Ministry of Trade, Tourism and Telecommunication of the Republic of Serbia regarding the procedure for selecting the company which will give the best conditions specified in the Biding Dossier for design, construction and dismantling of the stand of the Republic of Serbia at the China International Import Expo in Shanghai, the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia to the People’s Republic of China is starting a procedure of selecting companies.

Please notify that the term for making an offer is short and takes till 19 October at 12,00 AM

All documents for the applicants is below.

Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Beijing

On 14th of June 2018,  Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Beijing organized activity "Movie  afternoon" for the students of Serbian language of Beijing University of International Studies (BISU) and Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU). The students of those universities study Serbian language as major. More than 40 students along with their teachers were guests of screening of the Serbian movie "See you in Montevideo!".

Students were welcomed by ambassador H.E. Mr. Milan Bačević. After the screening of the movie,  students had a conversation with the staff of the Embassy, during which they had an opportunity to present their knowledge of Serbian language. The students were given the souvenirs from Serbia as a memory of attending the event.

Minister of Education, Science and Technological Development Mladen Šarčević and State Secretary of the Ministry Ana Langović Milićević visited China from 27th of May to 2nd of June 2018, during which they participated at the 6th Dialogue on Education Policy between China and CEEC that was held in Shenzhen on 28th of May 2018, followed by their visit of Qingdao in Wenzhou and Shijiazhuang. During its visit to China, the Minister met with local officials, visited Shenzhen University and Medical University in Wenzhou, was hosted by vocational schools and attended the opening ceremony of the Serbian-Chinese Cooperation Development Office in Wenzhou and the signing of relevant documents on educational and sports cooperation between two countries in the Belt and Road Collaborative Innovation Center in Qingdao.

The deadline for the invitation to bid for the works on the design and execution of construction works to alter the structural concept of the building for the purposes of the Cultural Center of the Republic of Serbia in Beijing has been extended until 1 June 2018, 12.00 h.

EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA BEIJING, PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
San Li Tun, Dong 6 Jie 1  100600 BEIJING
No. 157-4/2018
Date: 25 April 2018

Pursuant to the Directive on Procurement in Diplomatic Missions and Consular Posts of the Republic of Serbia No. 716/GS of 20 May 2013, Instruction on Conducting Procurement in DCMs of the Republic of Serbia Abroad No. 716-2/GS of 3 July 2013 and the Decision on Commencement of Contract Awarding Process No. 157/2018 of 23 April 2018, the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Beijing publishes

AN INVITATION TO BID

Subject of procurement 

The subject of the procurement are works on the design and execution of construction works to alter the structural concept of the building for the purposes of the Cultural Center of the Republic of Serbia in Beijing, People's Republic of China
Description of the subject of procurement
Pursuant to the Decision on Commencement of Contract Awarding Process No. 157/2018 of 23 April 2018, for the procurement of works on the on the design and execution of construction works to alter the structural concept of the building for the purposes of the Cultural Center of the Republic of Serbia in Beijing, People's Republic of China, the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Beijing invites bidders to submit their bids in writing and in accordance with the tender documents.
All bids must be entirely prepared in accordance with the tender documents.
The tender documents required for the submission of bids in writing can be collected from the web page of the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Beijing: http ://www.beijing.mfa. gov.rs
All information is available at: 6532 1562
Due date, place, time and manner of bid submission

All bids received by the Contracting Authority prior to 17 May 2018 by 14.00 shall be deemed timely.
The Bidder shall submit the bid in a closed envelope in person or by mail delivered to the Contracting Authority's address:
EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA
BEIJING, PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
San Li Tun, Dong 6 Jie 1 100600 BEIJING

The subject of the procurement should be indicated on the envelope: Procurement Bid -Procurement of works on the design and execution of construction works to alter the structural concept of the building for the purposes of the Cultural Center of the Republic of Serbia in Bejing, People's Republic of China No. 02/2018
The envelope or the box containing the bid must have the following words written on its front: "BID - DO NOT OPEN", with the Bidder's full name, address, telephone number and contact person at the back.
A bid which has not been received by the Contracting Authority within the indicated time-limit, regardless of the manner of delivery, shall be deemed untimely. Once the procedure of opening bids is over, the Authority's Procurement Commission shall return all untimely bids unopened to the bidders, with the note that they have not been received in time.
Criteria and criterion elements for selecting the best bid
The decision on awarding the contract for the procurement of works shall be made on the basis of the lowest offered price criterion, provided that the bid fulfils all the Authority's requirements and mandatory conditions set forth in the tender documents.
Opening of bids by the Commission (time and place)
Opening of bids shall take place after the due date for submitting bids has expired, i.e. on the day of 17 May 2018, commencing at 14.00., in the offices of the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Beijing, People's Republic of China, San Li Tun, Dong 6 Jie 1 100600 BEIJING The Contracting Authority's Commission shall prepare a report on the expert assessment of bids within 10 days from the date of bids opening.
The Commission shall draw up a draft decision on contract awarding within 10 days from the date of bids opening.

Deadline for concluding a contract:
The contract with the selected Bidder shall be concluded within 10 days from the date of making the decision on contract awarding.
Contact person:
Contact person in the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Beijing is Ms. Zhao Changjing at tel: 6532 1562 or e-mail: embserbia@embserbia.cn

Commission

To download the Preliminary Design for Adaptation of the Building for the Culture Center of Serbia, click here 

To download Amendment to the Preliminary Design to Adaptation of the Building for the Culture Centre of serbia, click here

To download TENDER DOCUMENTS, click here 

1.Questions on drawing and design, click here

1.Answers on drawing and design, click here

2. Questions on drawing and design, click here

2. Answers on drawing and design, click here

The new platform enables live monitoring  of 11 television channels (RTS1, RTS2, RTS3, RTS HD, RTS World, RTS Life, RTS Drama, RTS Kolo, RTS Music, RTS Treasury and RTS Poletarac), as well as 4 radio channels (Radio Belgrade 1, Radio Belgrade 2, and Radio Belgrade 3, and  Radio Belgrade 202), of Media Public Service of  Radio-Television of Serbia.
It is also provides "Video On Demand" and "Audio On Demand" programs and services, the possibility to view individual stories from the RTS correspondent network, within the program unit "My City", as well as music releases by PGP RTS.  Free access is possible via desktop computers, tablets and smartphones, upon registration on the website rtsplaneta.rs, on mobile application (for Android or IOS), or via Facebook.

Design and execution of construction works to alter the structural concept of the building for the purposes of the Culture Center of the Republic of Serbia in Beijing, People’s Republic of China Serial No. 81-3/2018

The document is available here.

EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA BEIJING, PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
San Li Tun, Dong 6 Jie 1  100600 BEIJING
No. 81-3/2018
Date: 2nd March 2018

Pursuant to the Directive on Procurement in Diplomatic Missions and Consular Posts of the Republic of Serbia No. 716/GS of 20 May 2013, Instruction on Conducting Procurement in DCMs of the Republic of Serbia Abroad No. 716-2/GS of 3 July 2013 and the Decision on Commencement of Contract Awarding Process No. 81/2018 of 28 February 2018, the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Beijing publishes

AN INVITATION TO BID

Subject of procurement

The subject of the procurement are works on the design and execution of construction works to alter the structural concept of the building for the purposes of the Cultural Center of the Republic of Serbia in Beijing, People's Republic of China Description of the subject of procurement Pursuant to the Decision on Commencement of Contract Awarding Process No. 81/2018 of 28 February 2018, for the procurement of works on the on the design and execution of construction works to alter the structural concept of the building for the purposes of the Cultural Center of the Republic of Serbia in Beijing, People's Republic of China, the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Beijing invites bidders to submit their bids in writing and in accordance with the tender documents.
All bids must be entirely prepared in accordance with the tender documents.
The tender documents required for the submission of bids in writing can be collected from the web page of the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Beijing: http ://www.beijing.mfa. gov.rs
All information is available at: 6532 1562
Due date, place, time and manner of bid submission

All bids received by the Contracting Authority prior to 12 March 2018 by 14.00 shall be deemed timely.
The Bidder shall submit the bid in a closed envelope in person or by mail delivered to the Contracting Authority's address:
EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA
BEIJING, PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
San Li Tun, Dong 6 Jie 1 100600 BEIJING

The subject of the procurement should be indicated on the envelope: Procurement Bid -Procurement of works on the design and execution of construction works to alter the structural concept of the building for the purposes of the Cultural Center of the Republic of Serbia in Bejing, People's Republic of China No. 81-3/2018
The envelope or the box containing the bid must have the following words written on its front: "BID - DO NOT OPEN", with the Bidder's full name, address, telephone number and contact person at the back.
A bid which has not been received by the Contracting Authority within the indicated time-limit, regardless of the manner of delivery, shall be deemed untimely. Once the procedure of opening bids is over, the Authority's Procurement Commission shall return all untimely bids unopened to the bidders, with the note that they have not been received in time.
Criteria and criterion elements for selecting the best bid
The decision on awarding the contract for the procurement of works shall be made on the basis of the lowest offered price criterion, provided that the bid fulfils all the Authority's requirements and mandatory conditions set forth in the tender documents.
Opening of bids by the Commission (time and place)
Opening of bids shall take place after the due date for submitting bids has expired, i.e. on the day of 12 March 2018, commencing at 14.00, in the offices of the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Beijing, People's Republic of China, San Li Tun, Dong 6 Jie 1 100600 BEIJING The Contracting Authority's Commission shall prepare a report on the expert assessment of bids within 10 days from the date of bids opening.
The Commission shall draw up a draft decision on contract awarding within 10 days from the date of bids opening.

Deadline for concluding a contract:
The contract with the selected Bidder shall be concluded within 10 days from the date of making the decision on contract awarding.
Contact person:
Contact person in the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Beijing is Ms. Zhao Changjing at tel: 6532 1562 or e-mail: embserbia@embserbia.cn

                                                                                                                                                        Commission 

To download Tender Documents, click here

To download Amendment to the Preliminary Design for Adaptation, click here

To download the Preliminary Design for Adaptation of the Building for the Culture Center of Serbia, click here 
 

Abstract (Translation of the Provisions of Beijing Municipality on the Safety Management of Fireworks)
Fireworks Safety Management Regulations
from Beijing Municipal Government

Public security organizations are in charge of the safety and control of fireworks. Below, please find an abstract regarding the regulations about fireworks safety management.

1.       No setting off fireworks on the 5th Ring Road and the area within the 5th Ring Road.
2.       Outside the 5th Ring Road, no setting off fireworks in areas with signs notifying “no fireworks.” Fireworks are allowed in areas without the signs, 7:00 am to midnight every day from February 15th to March 2nd, 2018.
3.       If any organization(s) needs to set off fireworks in the area where fireworks are forbidden, Beijing Municipal Government needs to approve this and makes public announcement.
4.       Transporting and selling fireworks needs approvals from supervisory and management units.
5.       Fireworks purchase should be from companies and/or organizations with firework selling permit. The weight of fireworks stored by individuals and/or organizations are not allowed to exceed 30 kilograms.

Penalties on violating the above administrative regulations--
Fireworks will be confiscated, and 1,000 Yuan to 5,000 Yuan fine for organizations and 100 Yuan to 200 Yuan for individuals will be imposed. For severe cases, the fine is 5,000 Yuan to 30,000 Yuan for organizations and 200 Yuan to 500 Yuan for individuals.

http://legal.people.com.cn/n1/2017/1202/c42510-29681470.html
 

At its meeting of 28 January 2018, the Government of the Republic of Serbia adopted the Decision on visa exemption for the nationals of Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, Saint Vincent and Grenadines, Paraguay and Colombia, holders of all passports. Under the Decision, the nationals of those countries can enter, transit through and stay in the territory of the Republic of Serbia without a visa, during a period not exceeding 30 days from the date of entry, within period of one year, if there are no hindrances defined in Article 11 of the Law on Foreigners . The Decision is published in the "Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia" No.10/2018 of 7 February, 2018, and will enter into force of 15 February, 2018.

The Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Serbia and Government of the Republic of Guatemala on visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and official passports, signed in Belgrade, in November 2016, took effect on 17 January 2018.
From that date on, nationals of both States, who are holders of diplomatic and official passports, will have the right to enter into, transit through and stay on the territory of the other Party without a visa within a period not exceeding 90 days from the date of entry.

The Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Serbia and Government of the Republic of Guatemala on visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and official passports, signed in Belgrade, in November 2016, took effect on 17 January 2018.
From that date on, nationals of both States, who are holders of diplomatic and official passports, will have the right to enter into, transit through and stay on the territory of the other Party without a visa within a period not exceeding 90 days from the date of entry.

The Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Serbia and Government of the Republic of Guatemala on visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and official passports, signed in Belgrade, in November 2016, took effect on 17 January 2018.
From that date on, nationals of both States, who are holders of diplomatic and official passports, will have the right to enter into, transit through and stay on the territory of the other Party without a visa within a period not exceeding 90 days from the date of entry.

The Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Serbia and Government of the Republic of Guatemala on visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and official passports, signed in Belgrade, in November 2016, took effect on 17 January 2018.
From that date on, nationals of both States, who are holders of diplomatic and official passports, will have the right to enter into, transit through and stay on the territory of the other Party without a visa within a period not exceeding 90 days from the date of entry.

The Chinese National Television has shot a serial on Serbia. Nine-episode serial has featured Serbian-Chinese friendship, scenes of cities in Serbia, the results of infrastructure projects of Chinese companies. Serial also included the interviews with the Serbian officials.

The episodes are available on the link:

http://tv.cntv.cn/video/C22432/9a3c1969b55a48b4bf6c5cbee42d0c41

Bora Milutinovic, one of the greatest world football coaches visited today the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in China. The legendary football expert, who led China's to its only World Cup finals campaign in 2002 and thus entered the history of Chinese football, has recently appointed a youth training consultant by the Chinese Football Association (CFA).

This time, Bora Milutunovic, who is regarded as the Chinese national hero, was in China at the invitation of the CFA during which he attended a 5x5 Football Golden League event in Chengdu, in Sichuan province.

The Chinese media has extensively reported about the visit of our celebrated coach, who participated in the World cup five times as a selector of various national teams.

More at http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-01/12/c_136890569.htm

The Beijing Cultural Center for Foreign Exchange, that was an organizer of the Second Colorful World Cultural Exhibition of Countries along the Belt and Road, under the auspices of the Beijing Government, has awarded the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia the Best Showcase Prize. The event has gathered several hundred thousand visitors.

About 45 foreign embassies including CEEC (Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, Lithuania etc.) have taken part in this event as the platform for cultural exchange activities between China and the countries along the Belt and Road. Through its boot exhibition and presentation, The Embassy of Serbia has presented cultural and tourist resources, potentials of the creative industry, achievements in the field of fashion and industrial design.

The promotion of biography of one of our greatest actors Bata Zivojinovic "Bata, just this one more time" in the edition of the Renmin Publishing House was held at the Beijing Book Fair. Editor-in-chief Sung Guangwei said that the book was a memory of Walter's character whose courage, patriotism and unbribableness enabled the Chinese to get acquainted with Serbian culture inspiring their image of the world.

In his address, ambassador Milan Bacevic said that the Chinese translation of the biography of our actor was a recognition of his creativity that contributed to the deepening of Serbian-Chinese friendship and the breakthrough of the Serbian cinematography and culture in China. The publication of the book was jointly carried out by the Association of Friendship of Chinese Peoples with Abroad, the Chinese Writers' Association for Writing and the Beijing Foreign University. The First Edition of the Biography was printed in three thousand copies. The publisher, one of the largest in China, the book will be a great success by presenting its hero to the Chinese audience not just this one more time but forever.

At its meeting of December 28, 2017, the Government of the Republic of Serbia adopted the Decision on visa exemption for the nationals of the Republic of Suriname, holders of all passports. The Decision is published in the "Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia" No.119/2017 of December 29, 2017, and enter into force of January 5, 2018 Under the Decision, the nationals of the Republic of Suriname can enter, transit through and stay in the territory of the Republic of Serbia without a visa, during a period not exceeding 30 days from the date of entry, within period of one year, if there are no hindrances defined in Article 11 of the Law on Foreigners.
 

At its meeting of 8 December 2017, the Government of the Republic of Serbia adopted the Decision on visa exemption for entry in the Republic of Serbia for the nationals of the Republic of the Guinea Bissau, holders of all passports. The Decision is published in the "Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia" No. 111/2017 of 11 December 2017 and enter into force on 19 December 2017.
Under the Decision, the nationals of the Republic of the Guinea Bissau can enter, transit through and stay in the territory of the Republic of Serbia without a visa, during a period not exceeding 30 days from the date of entry, within period of one year, if there are no hindrances defined in Article 11 of the Law on foreigners

The Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran adopted the Decision on visa exemption for the nationals of the Republic of Serbia, holders of ordinary passports for entry and stay in the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran without a visa, during a period not exceeding 30 days within period of one year.
The Decision came into force on 1 November 2017.

The nationals of the Republic of Indonesia, holding ordinary passports, can enter, transit through and stay in the territory of the Republic of Serbia without a visa, during a period not exceeding 30 days from the date of entry, within period of one year, if there are no hindrances defined in Article 11 of the Law on Foreigners. The Decision will enter into force and apply starting from 14thof October 2017.

                Office for Cooperation with Diaspora of the City of Nis has invited diaspora members to participate at the Advanced Technologies Forum, which will be held in Nis, from 17th  until 19th  October 2017.

                Invitation letter:

 

               On 7th July 2017, the Beijing City Theater premiered the play "Lady with the Camellias" of the ensemble of the Serbia National Theatre, directed by Jug Radivojevic. Realized within the Cultural season China-CEEC 2017, this year's performance of the National Theatre has been in the same time the first stage performance in the history of our oldest theatre that has been seen by the Chinese audience.

                Chinese host, the director of the Beijing Capital Theatre, Mr. Ding Lijun called for more intensive cooperation with theatres from Serbia with the aim of more dynamic people-to-people exchanges and better mutual understanding in which cultural cooperation plays a major role. Z. Hubac, drama director, has expressed the expectations to welcome in return Chinese ensemble, especially considering that next year the National Theatre will celebrate 150th anniversary.

               The play "Lady with the Camellias" in Beijing, during a three-day staging, has been seen by more than 3,000 Beijingers.

(Beijing, 9 August 2016) Students and pupils from Serbia learning Chinese language, participants of the International Summer Camp of the Confucius Institute (Hanban) at the Communication University of China in Beijing, visited the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia on 9 August 2016.

On the occasion of the forthcoming visit of the President of the People’s Republic of China H. E. Mr. Xi Jinping to the Republic of Serbia, Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia in China gave several interviews for different Chinese media, on overall relations between the two countries and his view on future perspective and further development of the strategic partnership relations.

Herewith is the interview for the China Daily.

(Beijing, 13 November 2015) Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia H.E. Milan Bačević presented credentials to President of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea H.E. Kim Yong Nam on 12. November 2015. During the meeting of Ambassador Bačević with President of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly H.E. Kim Yong Nam, both sides expressed traditional friendship of the two countries and its peoples.

(Beijing, 4 November 2015) Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia H.E. Milan Bačević presented credentials to the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan H.E. Mamnoon Hussain on 3 November 2015. During the meeting of Ambassador Bačević with the President of Pakistan, mutual readiness to promote bilateral cooperation between Serbia and Pakistan and numerous potentials to enhance economic cooperation were expressed.

(Beijing, 28 October 2015) Delegation of the city of Belgrade, headed by Mayor Siniša Mali, visited Beijing 25-27 October 2015. On that occasion, the Mayor of Belgrade met Mayor of Beijing Wang Anshun and representatives of the Beijing city commissions in charge of international cooperation, trade, administration, management and the environment, planning, urban development, culture and tourism. At a meeting the two mayors expressed their satisfaction over the development of friendly relations and cooperation between the two cities, which have marked this year 35th anniversary of the signing of the agreement on cooperation and friendship. They expressed willingness to enhance existing relationships through intensifying contacts on different levels, cooperation in areas of economy, tourism, culture, education and exchange of experience on the functioning of public administration. Mayor of Belgrade also visited the Commission for the development of tourism of the city of Beijing. During his visit, Mr. Mali had meetings with the Director-General of the Beijing Commission for trade and representatives of major Chinese companies (China Railway Group, Sinohydro Corporation Ltd, Beijing Urban Construction Group, Beijing UN Construction Group, CGC Overseas Construction Group, Beijing Construction Engineering Group).

• Because the request for its membership is a serious breach of the international law, the Constitution of UNESCO, the legally binding UN Security Council resolution 1244 (1999) and the Charter of the UN whose Article 25 says that "The Members of the UN agree to accept and carry out the decisions of the Security Council in accordance with the present Charter".

• Because according to the UN Security Council resolution 1244, which reaffirms the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (now Serbia), Kosovo and Metohija is an integral part of the Republic of Serbia, under the administration of the UN. Since Kosovo cannot be considered a State, it does not fulfill the basic requirement for membership set out by the UNESCO Constitution.

• Because unilateral attempts such as this one seriously harm and disrupt the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, under the auspices of the European Union in which mutually acceptable solutions for many complex issues have been devised so far. The issue of the Serbian cultural heritage and the property of the Serbia Orthodox Church has not yet been discussed within the dialogue where it belongs.

• Because this is an unacceptable politicization of UNESCO which should not overtake the competences of the UN Security Council as the highest authority for the preservation of the international peace and security. UNESCO should not serve as an instrument for the affirmation of an illegal and unilaterally declared independence of a part of the territory of one UN member state. The primary goal of UNESCO is to promote universal values of humanity through education, science and culture not to make political decisions with regard to the statehood.

• Because this would be a dangerous precedent, harmful for many states. This would open the door for other entities to follow the same path thus threatening territorial integrity and sovereignty of other member states.

• Because this issue is polarizing the membership of UNESCO.

• Because, besides not being a state, Pristina does not have moral credibility for membership. Anyone aspiring to UNESCO membership must prove not only in words but as well in deeds its commitment to the goals of the UNESCO Constitution, which certainly is incompatible with deliberate, systematic, vandal demolition of Serbian cultural and historic monuments with the aim to remove the traces of centuries-long existence of Serbs in this area as well as the impunity of the perpetrators of  such barbaric acts unworthy of the 21st century. These acts are comparable only to the acts of destruction of cultural heritage by terrorist groups in the Middle East and elsewhere that the world is witnessing and UNESCO is strongly condemning.
. 
• Because four Serbian orthodox monasteries are inscribed on the UNESCO List of World Heritage in danger although the armed conflict in Kosovo is over for many years now. In danger from whom?

• Because the inclusion of this item in the provisional agenda of the 197th  session of the UNESCO Executive board raises serious concerns about the compliance with procedure and the respect of the established UNESCO rules. Just to mention that even publishing of the document on the unacceptability of Kosovo's application for UNESCO membership from the standpoint of the international law, prepared by Serbian Delegation to UNESCO, as an official document, as we requested, was refused. And the only intention was the voice of Serbia also to be heard.

• Because we all would have to live with the negative consequences of such an irresponsible decision from the lesioning of the international law up to the fate of the Serbian cultural heritage in the province of Kosovo and Metohija which not only belongs to the Serbian people but also represents a part of the historical and civilizational heritage of modern Europe and the world.

The Government of the Republic of Serbia has decided that citizens of Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain can travel to Serbia without obtaining a visa. The decision shall enter into force on 30 June 2015 and applies to all types of travel documents, except for laissez passer and travel documents issued in accordance with international treaties, and if there are no obstacles arising from Article 11 of the Law on Foreigners of the Republic of Serbia. Citizens of the aforementioned countries may reside in Serbia in duration of 90 days, over a period of 6 months starting from the date of first entry.

(Beijing, 18 June 2015) In the organization of the Commission for Education of the Xicheng district of Beijing, a group of 20 pupils from several Beijing primary schools (Young Cultural Ambassadors), with their professors, visited the Embassy of Serbia on 18 June 2015, in order to learn more about Serbia.

Charge d’ affaires a.i. T. Panajotovic Cvetkovic and third secretary M. Kuzmanovic welcomed the guests. The Embassy displayed the culture and customs of Serbia to the pupils, which showed great interest. Chinese pupils have, also, performed the music and dance program on this occasion.
 

(Beijing, 17 June 2015) In order to improve the cooperation in the field of education, the delegation of the Belgrade Business School led by Director prof. PhD Dj. Djurovic visited the People's Republic of China and on 16 June 2015 had a meeting at the East China Normal University in Shanghai, with the President of the University prof. Chen Qun. After the meeting, Dj. Djurovic and Chen Qun signed a Cooperation agreement between ECNU and BBS in the areas of exchange of delegations, scientific exchange, exchange of professors and students, joint research etc. Along with the delegation of the BBS, Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to the People's Republic of China M. Bačević, third secretary in the Embassy M. Kuzmanović and Consul Gerant of the Consulate General of the Republic of Serbia in Shanghai Z. Subotić attended the meeting.

(Beijing, 15 June 2015) "Global Times" organized the third diplomatic basketball tournament on 13 June 2015 in the Canadian International School of Beijing. 16 teams took part in the tournament. In addition to the teams of organizer and sponsors, the teams of Canadian International School, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Exit-Entry Administration of China and Embassies of Cuba, Canada, Thailand, Czech Republic, Estonia, Poland, Montenegro, Lithuania and Serbia took part in the tournament. Team of the Embassy of Serbia, which won the first diplomatic basketball tournament in 2012, this year was 5th.

(Beijing, 5 June 2015) At the invitation of the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Beijing, professors and students of the Department for Serbian Language of the Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) visited the Embassy on 5 June 2015. Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia H.E. Mr. Milan Bačević welcomed the guests from the BFSU, after which the students watched the Serbian movie „We are not angels“.

(Beijing, 28 May 2015) Gratifying all charitable people who donated resources for flood relief in the Republic of Serbia, the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia is announcing that the special account of the Embassy has been closed. Hereafter, all resources in Chinese yuan for relief in Serbia may be paid to the bank account of the Embassy:

Bank of China, Head Office, Beijing, China

Account No. 778350020571 of the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia to the People’s Republic of China

Payment purpose: Flood relief in Serbia

(Beijing, 16 April 2015) Chinese company Bonn Project Investment Co. Ltd. donated the computer equipment to the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Beijing.

Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia in the People’s Republic of China H.E. Mr. Milan Bačević and Chairman of the Board Mr. Yang Zhendong signed the Equipment Donation Agreement at the donation ceremony on 8 April 2015.

(Belgrade, 27 February 2015) The political and business delegation of the Hebei Province, led by its Vice Governor Mrs. Qin Boyong, visited Belgrade on 27 February 2015. The delegation was received by the President of the Republic of Serbia Mr. Tomislav Nikolić, Minister of the Mining and Energy Mr. Aleksandara Antić, President of the Assembly of the City of Belgrade Mr. Nikola Nikodijević, representatives of the Chamber of Commerce of the City of Belgrade and the Institute of Transportation CIP. During the visit, the main topic was development of economic cooperation and participation of the Hebei Province in the realization of important infrastructure projects in the Republic of Serbia. The Hebei Province has the population of more than 73 million and it is the 6th most developed region of China. The intensified cooperation between Hebei and Serbia was initiated during the visit of the Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia Mr. Milan Bačević to the city of  Zhangjiakou form 23 to 25 January, upon the invitation of the Provincial People`s Government of Hebei. 

(Beijing, 11 February 2015) On February 11th 2015 a meeting between Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia Milan Bačević and Deputy general Director of Diplomatic Residence Compound Jiang Qi was held in the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia. During the friendly conversation, the two sides discussed status of premises of booth countries and other issues regarding the cooperation of the Embassy with Diplomatic Residence Compound.

(Beijing, 5 February 2015) The specialized Chinese magazine “China Investment”, printed in 50 thousand copies, published in February 2015 the text “New Silk Road and the New Future”, signed by the Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia Mr. Milan Bačević. The magazine is also available at:  http://www.chinainvestment.com.cn/.

(Beijing, 30 January 2015) On Friday, 30 January, in the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in the PR of China, with support of the Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia and his spouse, the Saint Sava Day was celebrated.

(Beijing, 27 January 2015) Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia Mr. Milan Bačević and Minister Counsellor Mr. Bojan Cvetković visited the TBEA Company’s head office in Beijing on 27th January 2015, upon the invitation of the Mr. Zhou Liliang, Vice General Manager for International Business. The TBEA is one of the leading Chinese companies in the field of energy, energy transmission and new materials, with 649 patented technologies and projects in 60 countries around the world. The representatives of the company have expressed their interest for expanding of their activities in Serbia. 

(Beijing, 23 January 2015) The Deputy Director – General of the Department of European Affairs of the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China Mr. Xu Xiaofeng, received the Ambassador Mr. Milan Bačević and Minister Counsellor Mr. B. Cvetković on 23 January 2015. During the meeting, the actual issues concerning the economic cooperation between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Serbia were discussed, specially the improvement of Chinese direct investments and the participation of Chinese enterprises in the process of privatization of Serbian companies.  

(Beijing, 22 January 2015) Extraordinary and plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to the People's Republic of China H.E. Mr. Milan Bacevic presented credentials to President of the People's Republic of China H.E. Mr. Xi Jinping, on 22nd of January 2015.

In the brief meeting during the ceremony, both sides confirmed readiness for further enhancement of overall bilateral relations and deepening of strategic partnership between the Republic of Serbia and the People's Republic of China, as well as within the format of cooperation between China and 16 Central and Eastern European Countries. Both sides stressed extraordinary good political relations, as well as possibilities for further development of cooperation in the field of economy. The mutual support on the crucial issues for both countries was confirmed.
 

(Beijing, 19 January 2015) Ambassador Mr. Milan Bačević received on 19th January 2015 the representatives of the newly formed Chinese – Serbian Business Club, who presented to him the goals and priorities of this society. The Ambassador discussed with the President and Coordinator of the Club, Mr. Zoran Bogdanović and Mr. Nebojša Ristić, about the modalities of its future cooperation with the  Embassy and the other institutions of the Republic of Serbia.

(Shanghai, 15 January 2015), Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to the People's Republic of China M. Bačević paid a visit to Shanghai 14-15 January 2015. On that occasion, the Ambassador visited the Consulate General of the Republic of Serbia in Shanghai and had meetings with representatives of the Foreign Affairs Office of Shanghai, Shanghai Chamber of Commerce, East China Normal University and local companies.

At the meetings, Ambassador Bačević presented the potentials for further improvement of the political, economic, trade, cultural, educational, inter-university and scientific and technological cooperation between Serbia and China.

(Belgrade, 14 January 2015) The delegation of the National Development and Reform Commission of the People’s Republic of China, led by its Vice President Mr. Xu Xianping participated at the the Second Meeting of the Joint Working Group on China – Hungary – Serbia Transport Infrastructure Cooperation, held in Belgrade on 14 January 2015. At the end of the meeting, Mr. Xu Xianping, Mr. Péter Szijjartó,  Minister of External Economy and Foreign Affairs of Hungary and Mrs. Zorana Mihajlović, Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure of the Republic of Serbia signed the Cooperation plan of the Hungarian-Serbian Railway Project. This document defined the framework and the timetable for the preparation of the Feasibility Study and the cope and the dynamics of further activities on the project. The Second Meeting of the Joint Working Group was preceded by intensive consultations between the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia and relevant Chinese institutions. It represents the important step toward the realization of the goals defined during the meeting of the prime ministers of three countries in during the third Meeting of Heads of Government of China and Central and Eastern European Countries held in Belgrade in December 2014, as well as the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation of the Hungarian-Serbian Railway Project.

(Beijing, 13 January 2015) Upon the invitation by senior vice-president of the Huawei Company, Mr. Guo Tianmin, the Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia Mr. Milan Bačević and the Minister Counsellor Mr. Bojan Cvetković visited company’s research unit in Beijing on 13th January 2015. Mr. Guo Tianmin made presentation of the latest projects developed by Huawei, as one of the leading world companies in the field of information technologies, and discussed with the Ambassador about the perspectives of their further engagements in Serbia. 

(Beijing, 8 January 2015) Mr. Yuan Baoyi and Mr. Lu Zexiang, vice presidents of the Gezhouba Company, received the Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia in Bejinig Mr. Milan Bačević and the Minister Counsellor Mr. Bojan Cvetković at the company`s head-office in Beijing on 8th January 2015. They introduced their activities as well as their intention to develop further cooperation with Serbia. Gezhouba is one of the leading Chinese enterprises in the field of energy and infrastructure. It has realized more than 4000 projects in 80 countries, among which the most well-known is the “Three Gorges”, the most powerful hydro-power plant in the world, built on the Yangtze River in the Chinese province of Hubei.

(Beijing, 11 December 2014) In the Embassy of Serbia in Bejinig, on 11th December 2014, the Ambassador Mr. Milan Bačević made the presentation of the project “Kanal Morava” for Mr. Wang Hongqi and Mr. Ma Xipu, representatives of the Euro-Asian Social Development Research Institute of Development Research Center of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China. The Ambassador gave the detailed explanation of the history of the idea of the waterway which would connect the Danube with the Aegean Sea and its development and economic potentials. 

(Beijing, 5 December 2014) Upon the invitation of Mr. Liu Jianjun, Vice President of the China Coal Technology and Engineering Group (CCTEG), Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia Mr. Milan Bačević and Minister Counsellor Mr. Bojan Cvetković visited the company’s head office in Beijing on 5 December 2014. CCTEG is one of the biggest Chinese enterprises in the field of mining and energy. The main topic of the meeting was the perspective of company’s engagement in Serbia through the realization of different projects and the partnership with relevant Serbian companies.

(Beijing, 24 November 2014) A delegation of the Ministry of Defense of Serbia and the Serbian Armed Forces, headed by Defense Minister Bratislav Gašić, visited the People's Republic of China from 17 to 21 November 2014.

Holders of foreign passports with the valid Schengen visa, visa of the Great Britain, as well as the visas of other countries members of European Union, or with the valid visa of  USA, can travel to the Republic of Serbia without a visa, and stay in Serbia 90 days in the period of 6 months. Furthermore, holders of foreign passports who have residence permit in the countries of Schengen zone, countries members of European Union, or USA can travel in the Republic of Serbia without a visa, and stay in Serbia 90 days in the period of 6 months.

This regulation shall enter into force on 8 November 2014.

The regulation is not valid for holders of foreign travel documents or passports issued in accordance with international conventions.
 

(Beijing, 28 October 2014) A delegation of the Ministry of Culture and Information of Serbia, led by minister Ivan Tasovac, with state secretary S. Mirkovic, secretary of the Ministry I. Jovicic, chief of the Cabinet J. Marinkovic and assistant minister A. Draca Muntean, visited the People's Republic of China from 23 to 28 October 2014 at the invitation of the Chinese Minister of Culture Cai Wu.

During his visit to Beijing, minister I. Tasovac with the delegation had meetings with the main host, Minister Cai Wu and in the State Administration of Cultural Heritage, the State Administration of Sports and the China National Symphony Orchestra. In addition, the delegation visited several cultural institutions and cultural sites.

A high level of relations between the two countries was highlighted during the meetings, and ways for further intensification of cooperation were discussed (exchange of orchestras, museum exhibitions, cooperation in the field of film and new forms of creative industries, translating literary works, preservation of cultural heritage etc).

During a visit to Shanghai, MKI I. Tasovac had meetings with representatives of the city administration and the directors of several cultural institutions.
 

(Beijing, 13 September 2014) Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić visited the People's Republic of China from 9 to 12 September 2014. During a visit to China, PM A. Vucic was in Beijing and Tianjin, where he participated in the World Economic Forum ("Summer Davos") and attended the opening ceremony.

In Tianjin a bilateral meeting was held with Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China Li Keqiang. During the talks, the two Prime Ministers emphasized the extraordinary political relations and especially mutual willingness to further deepen strategic partnership in all areas. With determination to further develop economic cooperation between Serbia and China, cooperation on implementation of major projects between the two countries was especially underlined. In addition to the completion of the project of the bridge Zemun-Borča, special emphasis was placed on the project of modernization of the railway Belgrade-Budapest, as well as other ongoing and planned projects with Chinese partners.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang accepted the invitation of PM Aleksandar Vučić to visit Belgrade in December 2014, during the Summit of the Prime Ministers of China and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. This will be the first bilateral visit from China to Belgrade on the level of Prime Minister after three decades, and bridge Zemun-Borča over the Danube, being built by a Chinese company CRBC, will be open on this occasion.

During his stay in China PM Aleksandar Vucic had a meeting with the Vice Governor of the China Development Bank Mr. Zhao Xiaoyu, as well as the leaders of a number of Chinese companies.

Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the Government of Mongolia on the exemption of visa requirements shall enter into force on 17 July 2014. The exemption of visa requirements is valid for all types of passports. Citizens of the Republic of Serbia will be able to travel to Mongolia without of visa and stay in Mongolia for 90 days in the period of six months from the first entry. The same conditions are for citizens of Mongolia, traveling to the Republic of Serbia.

(Beijing, 12 June 2014) Organized by the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China, the Secretariat for Cooperation between China and the CEE countries and the Government of Ningbo, a Ministerial conference on the promotion of economic cooperation and trade between China and CEE countries was held in Ningbo 7-9. June 2014. Chinese Minister of Commerce Gao Hucheng hosted the representatives of 16 CEE countries. Serbia was represented by the State Secretary in the Ministry of Trade, Tourism and Telecommunications Stevan Nikčević.

All parties underlined commitment to the further development of cooperation between China and CEE. In his speech, S. Nikčević stressed readiness of Serbia for further development of strategic partnership with the People's Republic of China, especially in the area of economic cooperation. He invited Chinese investors to invest in Serbia.

S. Nikčević had separate meetings with the Vice Minister of Commerce of China Zhong Shan and Vice-MFA of Hungary P. Szijjártó, as well as a short courtesy meeting with the State Councilor Yang Jiechi.

During the Conference, CEE countries' Products Fair was held in Ningbo. The participation of Serbia was organized by the Chamber of Commerce of Serbia and the Belgrade Chamber of Commerce.

(Beijing, 9 June 2014) First high-level meeting of the Joint Working Group on China-Serbia-Hungary Transport Infrastructure Cooperation, regarding the project of modernization of the railway Belgrade-Budapest, took place in Beijing on 6 June 2014. Delegation of the Republic of Serbia was headed by Dejan Trifunovic, State Secretary for the Ministry of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure of Serbia. In the delegation were also Miodrag Jocic, Assistant Minister for railways and intermodal transportation and from the Embassy of Serbia in Beijing Charge d’ Affaires a.i. T. Panajotovic Cvetkovic, counselor M. Stefanovic and third secretary M. Kuzmanovic.

Chinese delegation was led by Mr. Xu Xianping, Vice Chairman from the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) of China, and Hungarian by Mr. Péter Szijjártó, State Secretary for Foreign Affairs and External Economic Relations of the Prime Minister’s Office of Hungary.

Representatives of the three sides discussed objectives, principles, major tasks and modalities regarding this project, which plays an important role in the cooperation between China and Central and Eastern Europe.

(Beijing, 31 May 2014) On 29 May 2014 a humanitarian action was organized in the club "Ink" in Beijing, supported by the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Beijing and the Association of Serbia and friends.

Check with the amount of 35,136 RMB, which were raised at this event, was handed by the co-owner of the club Mr. Ivan Maksimovic to the Embassy on 30 May 2014. Embassy expresses its gratitude to all those who assisted and participated.

(Beijing, 28 May 2014) A meeting with the representatives of the major Chinese media was organized at the Embassy of Serbia in Beijing on 28 May 2014, in order to inform on the catastrophic floods in Serbia and ways to send the humanitarian help. Media representatives from Renmin Ribao, Guanming Daily, Global Times, China Radio International, Lookwe magazine etc. were present at the meeting.

Charge d’ Affaires a.i. of the Embassy Mrs. Tatjana Panajotović Cvetković explained the current situation in the Republic of Serbia, Serbian Government's efforts to manage the floods, as well as possibilities for sending aid from China to Serbia. She appealed for help from the media in disseminating information on methods of collecting humanitarian aid, while thanking for the announced support of the Chinese Government and the Red Cross of China.

After the meeting, head of the editorial board of China Radio International in Serbian language Tian Yu (Ana) presented the donation of the CRI, collected in a humanitarian action of the Radio in the amount of RMB 10,146.00 and $ 100. The ceremony was attended by journalists from the editorial board Branko Žujović and Zoran Ranković, who was the initiator of the said humanitarian action.

(Beijing, May 28, 2014) At the invitation of the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Beijing, professors and students of the Department for Serbian Language of the Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) visited the Embassy on 27 May 2014. Charge d’ Affaires a.i. of the Embassy T. Panajotović Cvetkovic welcomed the guests from the BFSU, after which the students watched the Serbian movie "Ginger – More than a Game". Before the screening, the gathered honored the victims of the floods in Serbia with a minute of silence.

(Beijing, 22 May 2014) Regarding the catastrophic floods in Serbia, Association Serbia and Friends organized the collecting of humanitarian aid in Beijing. The Association raised funds in the amount of 16,300 RMB and 400 euros, which were delivered to the Embassy on 21 May 2014. Embassy expresses its gratitude to all those who assisted and participated.

Due to the catastrophic floods in Serbia in which many people lost their lives, the Serbian Embassy would like to inform that three days of national mourning have been declared in the Republic of Serbia and a Book of Condolences will be opened at the Serbian Embassy, San Li Tun, Dong Liu Jie Yi, Beijing, on the following days:

May 21, 14:00 pm to 16:00 pm

May 22, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

May 23, 13:00 pm to 16:00 pm

Heaviest rain and wave of floods, the largest that hit Serbia in the last thousand years, unprecedented in the history of the Republic of Serbia, struck the country on 15 May.

(Beijing, 3 April 2014) Cyclist Snežana Radojičić, who in July 2011 embarked on a trip around the world by bicycle, visited the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Beijing on 2 April 2014. Representatives of the Embassy wished her success and happiness in this unique venture.

(Beijing, 24 March 2014) In celebration of the month of Francophonie in China, in the organization of the French Embassy and the French football club in Beijing L' Equipe, a diplomatic football tournament was held on the 23 March 2014 at the O'le football field in Beijing. As in previous years, the Embassy of Serbia participated in the competition. Among six teams (Serbia, France, Belgium, Ivory Coast and two teams with mixed composition), Serbian team was ranked fifth.

(Beijing, March 2014) Tenth anniversary of the pogrom of Serbs and non-Albanians in Kosovo and Metohija (17.3.2004) was marked on the 21.3.2014. in the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Beijing, by the Association of Serbs in China "Serbia and friends" and the Embassy, in the presence of about 30 representatives of the Serbian diaspora and foreign guests. After the president of the Association "Serbia and Friends" Zoran Bogdanović and Charge d’ Affairs a.i. of the Embassy Tatjana Panajotović Cvetković addressed the guests, film regarding the 17th March pogrom "Crime without punishment after 10 years" was screened.

(Beijing, 17 March 2014) A technical meeting of the trilateral working group of Serbia, Hungary and China regarding cooperation on high-speed railway project between Belgrade and Budapest was held in Beijing in the National Development and Reform Commission of China on 11 March of 2014. At the meeting, representatives of the three parties presented their vision of further work and preparation for the first official meeting at the level of heads of working groups.

In the Serbian delegation, which was headed by the deputy minister of transport Dejan Lasica, were also the special adviser to the minister of finance Maria Bijelić, assistant director general of the Serbian Railways Nena Tomović, director of development of the Serbian Railways Milan Stanisavljević, technical director of the Institute of transportation CIP Milosav Andjelković and lead designer of the Institute of transportation CIP Jelica Šumanac.

In addition to participating in the meeting in the National Development and Reform Commission, the delegation was received by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of China Wang Chao, who is also the Secretary General of the Secretariat for cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European countries.

During the visit to China, the delegation also had talks with representatives of Chinese companies.

From the Embassy of Serbia in Beijing, Charge d' Affaires a. i. Mrs. Tatjana Panajotović Cvetković, minister counselor for economic affairs Zoran Djordjević and third secretary Mirko Kuzmanović were also present at the meetings.

(Beijing, March 2014) Director of the Clinical Center of Serbia prof. dr Miljko Ristić and chief of the surgical unit of the Clinic of Cardio-surgery, dr Svetozar Putnik visited China from 4 to 9 March 2014, at the invitation of the „Carvar Heart“ Center in Yinchuan in the province of Ningxia.

The aim of the visit was the agreement on cooperation between Clinical Center of Serbia and „Carvar Heart“ Center, which would include opening of the cardio-surgery center in China with the help of a team of experts from the Clinical Center of Serbia. In this regard, the delegation of Clinical Center of Serbia had talks with the director of „Carvar Heart“ Center Su Yin.

During the visit of the delegation of the Clinical Center of Serbia to Beijing, a meeting was organized with senior Chinese officials - Secretary of the Communist Party of Yinchuan Xu Guangguo, as well as with the Mayor Ma Li, which was attended by representatives of the Embassy of Serbia in Beijing.

During the meeting both sides expressed their willingness to establish long-term cooperation in the field of medicine between the two above-mentioned medical centers.

(Beijing, 27 February 2014) At the beginning of its two-month tour in the People's Republic of China, the cultural-artistic ensemble „Frula“ („Flute“) from Belgrade visited the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Beijing on the 27 February 2014.

Artistic director of the ensemble Mr. Dragoslav Džadžević and the entire lineup of the „Frula“ was greeted and welcomed by the Chargé d' Affaires a. i. of the Embassy of Serbia in Beijing Mrs. Tatjana Panajotović Cvetković.

Ensemble „Frula“, which has for 50 years successfully promoted the national folk dances of Serbia all around the world, is touring in China for the third time.

During the two-month tour „Frula“ will perform more than 40 concerts in more than 25 cities in China. The tour will last until 1 May 2014.

(Beijing, 23 February 2014) Delegation of "Zastava vehicles" Group, headed by the CEO Dragan Srejović, visited China from 18 to 22 February 2014 and had talks with Chinese partners in Beijing, Hefei, Nanjing and Xi’an on the possibilities of cooperation in the auto industry.

Chargé d' Affaires a. i. of the Embassy of Serbia in Beijing Mrs. Tatjana Panajotović Cvetković took part in the meetings with Chinese partners.

(Beijing, 20 February 2014) On 19 February 2013 Embassy of Serbia in Beijing held a reception on the occasion of the National Day and the Armed Forces Day of the Republic of Serbia. The reception was attended by representatives of major Chinese institutions, the diplomatic and consular corps, military corps, leading Chinese medias, entrepreneurs, Serbian diaspora and many Chinese friends of Serbia.

The guest of honor of the Chinese side was the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, H.E. Mr. Wang Chao, who is also the Secretary General of the Secretariat for cooperation between China and 16 Central and Eastern European countries. Guest from the People’s Liberation Army of the People’s Republic of China was Major General Sun Jingwei from the National Defense University of China.

During the meeting between Charge d’ Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of Serbia in Beijing Mrs. Tatjana Panajotović Cvetković and the Vice Minister Wang, the high level of bilateral relations between Serbia and China was highlighted, as well as a commitment to further strengthening of the strategic partnership between the two countries.

While addressing guests of the reception, Charge d’ Affaires a.i. T. Panajotović Cvetković underlined the excellent cooperation between Serbia and China and briefly presented the foreign policy priorities of the Republic of Serbia.

(Beijing, 18 January 2014) Delegation of the Ministry of Energy, Development and Environmental Protection of the Republic of Serbia, led by Deputy Minister Dejan Trifunović, which included director of the “Kostolac” Power plant Dragan Jovanović and advisor Ms. Olivera Matić Brbora, visited the People's Republic of China from 12 to 17 January 2014, regarding the activities on the project of construction of “Kostolac B” Power plant.

During the visit, the delegation met with the representatives of EXIM Bank and CMEC and had talks about current work on the first phase and the preparations for the second phase of the construction of the Power plant.

From the Embassy of Serbia in Beijing, Charge d' Affaires a. i. Mrs. Tatjana Panajotović Cvetković and minister counselor for economic affairs Zoran Djordjević were also present at the meetings.

(Beijing, 4 January 2014) Charge d'Affaires a. i. of the Embassy of Serbia in Beijing Mrs. Tatjana Panajotović Cvetković visited Harbin Normal University on 3 January 2014. On that occasion she had talks with the representatives of the University and the Institute of Slavic languages, where Serbian language is taught on a facultative basis. During the meeting, the current cooperation with educational institutions in Serbia and possibilities for its further improvement was discussed. At the Institute for Slavic languages currently 140 Chinese students learn Serbian language, helped by a Serbian language lector Mr. Vladan Jočić. Mrs. Panajotović Cvetković stressed great importance of educational cooperation between Serbia and China and wished the students of Serbian language success in their further studying.

(Beijing, 21 December 2013) The high-level Symposium of the think tanks between China and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe was held in Beijing on 19 December 2013. The Symposium was organized by the Secretariat for cooperation between China and CEE, and the China Foundation for International Studies (CFIS). The event was attended by more than 300 representatives of the governments of CEE countries and China, representatives of the research institutes, independent organizations, think tanks, academia and others.

From the Republic of Serbia the meeting was attended by the special advisor to the First Deputy of the Prime Minister of Serbia, N. Stevanović; the former MFA of Serbia and former President of the 67 Session of the UN GA and the director of the Center for International Relations and Sustainable Development V. Jeremić; the former minister of education of Serbia and previous National coordinator for cooperation under the mechanism China – CEE Ž. Obradović; financial director of the company "Telekom" M. Dželetović; former Chief of General Staff of the Serbian Army and former deputy of the MFA Z. Ponoš; former advisor to the MFA and UN GA President D. Krnjević Mišković; former minister of culture of the FR of Yugoslavia and Dean of the Faculty of Media and Communications at the University "Singidunum" N. Popović Perišić and professor at the Faculty of Political Sciences in Belgrade D. Mitrović.

In separate presentations on various panels, the participants of the Symposium stressed the importance of cooperation between China and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, with particular emphasis on strategic partnership between Serbia and China.

(Beijing, 30 November 2013) In the organization of the Foreign Economic Cooperation Center of the Ministry of Agriculture of China, Annual Workshop on Agricultural Cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European Countries for 2013 was held in Beijing on 29 November 2013. In addition to the representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture of China, the meeting was attended by representatives of the Embassy of Slovenia, Montenegro, Hungary, Estonia, Macedonia, Romania, Poland, Moldova, Czech Republic and Serbia.

Representatives from the Chinese side presented the agricultural cooperation between China and CEE countries in 2013 and reviewed the work plan for 2014.

A representative of the Embassy of Serbia in Beijing M. Kuzmanović presented to the participants of the meeting the cooperation between Serbia and China and the potential for its further development in the field of agriculture. He indicated, as particularly significant activities in the 2013, the visit of China's Deputy Minister of Agriculture Niu Dun to Serbia in July, as well as the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in agriculture, during the visit of the President of Serbia T. Nikolić to China in August.

(Beijing, 29 November 2013) Chinese law firm Beijing Deheng, with the assistance and cooperation of the Austrian law offices Wolf Theis, organized Seminar on Investment in Central and Eastern Europe on 28 November 2013. The seminar was attended by representatives of more than 20 Chinese companies, some of which already have cooperation with Serbia (e.g. CMEC, a company engaged in the revitalization of the "Kostolac" powerplant).

A representative of the Embassy of Serbia in Beijing, counselor M. Stefanović informed the participants of the seminar with investment opportunities and business potential in Serbia. She pointed out that the strategic partnership between Serbia and China and extraordinary political bilateral relations open up opportunities for intensive economic cooperation between the two countries and especially the bigger presence of Chinese investors in the Serbian market. Excellent cooperation between Serbia and China in the field of infrastructure was highlighted, with particular emphasis on the Zemun-Borča bridge on the Danube, China's largest infrastructure project in Europe, as well as the revitalization of "Kostolac" powerplant. Chinese businessmen were invited to invest in strategic sectors in Serbia - infrastructure, energy, natural resources and mining, agriculture, car industry and other fields.

(Beijing 27 November 2013) The Summit between the Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and premiers of 16 countries of Central and Eastern Europe was held in Bucharest on 25 and 26 November 2013. Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dačić participated at the Summit. In the Serbian delegation at the summit were also the Minister of Energy, Development and Environment Zorana Mihajlović and Minister of Transport Aleksandar Antić.

I. Dačić stressed at the Summit that regional cooperation and cooperation with China represent the foreign policy priorities of Serbia and thanked China for having established a mechanism for cooperation with CEE countries. He emphasized that Serbia has excellent and friendly relations with China, which were raised to a qualitatively higher level after the strategic partnership was introduced between the two countries in 2009. He also recalled the joint projects whose implementation is in progress: building a section of the highway between Serbia and Montenegro, the construction of a bridge over the Danube in Belgrade (Zemun - Borča) and the second phase of the revitalization of the "Kostolac" powerplant.

Serbian Prime Minister said that Serbia, as a candidate country for membership in the EU and strategic partner of China, strongly supports further strengthening of the strategic partnership between the EU and China in all segments.

Premier I. Dačić , Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Premier of Hungary V. Orban reached an agreement in Bucharest on the joint project of modernization of the railway between Belgrade and Budapest.

(Beijing, 11 November 2013) Minister of Foreign Affairs and Economy of Mongolia L. Bold paid his first official visit to Serbia from 7 to 10 November 2013, at the invitation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia I. Mrkić.

In addition to meeting with his host, L. Bold was received by Prime Minister of Serbia I. Dačić, while a meeting with the Mayor of Novi Sad M. Vučević was organized during a visit of the Mongolian delegation to Novi Sad.

After the meeting between the ministers Mrkić and Bold, on the 8 November 2013, an Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the Government of Mongolia on the abolition of visas for citizens of the two countries was signed.

During the visit, views were exchanged on the prospects for further improvement of overall bilateral relations between Serbia and Mongolia.

MFA Bold also participated in a business forum "Opportunities for improvement of Serbian-Mongolian economic cooperation", held at the Serbian Chamber of Commerce.

(Beijing, 11 November 2013) Serbian choir "Viva Vox" has performed in the National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China on 8 November 2013.

Along with the representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture of China, at the concert were also present representatives from the other Chinese institutions and the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in China.

The song "Bella Ciao" from the movie "The Bridge", one of the most popular Yugoslav films in China, was among several songs that "Viva Vox" performed in the Chinese language.

(Beijing, 7 November 2013) Serbian minister of Natural Resources, Mining and Spatial Planning prof. dr Milan Bačević was in an official visit to the People's Republic of China from 1 to 6 November 2013. From 3 to 5 November, M. Bačević participated in the International congress on mining "China Mining 2013" in Tianjin, which was attended by ministers of ten countries, Chinese officials and experts. At a special ministerial forum, minister Bačević presented a guide for investing in the mining industry in Serbia and invited Chinese investors to invest in Serbia.

Minister Bačević met with Minister of Land and Resources of China Jiang Daming, with whom he discussed the promotion of cooperation between the two countries. On this occasion, the two ministers signed a Memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the field of geology and mining.

M. Bačević also met with representatives of a number of Chinese corporations, interested in investment in Serbia in the field of natural resources, infrastructure, geology and mining.

Together with the Minister Bačević, director of the Geological Institute of Serbia, prof. dr Dragoman Rabrenović also visited China, and signed with the director of the Geological Institute of China a Memorandum of understanding and cooperation between the two institutes in the field of geology and mining.

(Beijing, 1 November 2013) "The First international forum on the East-West cultural integration and dissemination", organized by the Communication University of China and of the "Home and Abroad News Press" in Beijing on 30 October 2013, was attended by experts, representatives of Chinese institutions and diplomatic missions in Beijing.

Forum was opened by the president of the "Home and Abroad News Press" Mrs. Wei Yan. The forum participants were greeted by He Peijie, Member of CPPCC Standing Committee and Zhang Fan, the Deputy Secretary of Press and Publication Bureau of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee. They stressed that the process of globalization has led to greater interaction between different civilizations and cultures and that better understanding and stronger cultural and social exchange between East and West is an important goal.

Representatives of diplomatic missions in Beijing also addressed the Forum. Charge d' Affaires a.i. of the Serbian Embassy, T. Panajotović Cvetković, emphasized the excellent level of overall bilateral relations between Serbia and China, as confirmed by the recent visit of the President of the Republic of Serbia Mr. Tomislav Nikolić to China. She underlined that the relations between the two countries are excellent in the field of cultural exchange, which is reflected in high-level visits, cultural events in China and Serbia, student’s exchange programs, learning of languages etc. She highlighted the fact that the China will be the guest of honor at the International Belgrade Book Fair 2014.

In his speech, Vice Principal of Communication University of China, Hu Zhengrong, stressed the importance of holding such meetings, which encourage intercultural exchange and cooperation. He praised the cooperation that the CUC has with the University of Belgrade and the Confucius Institute in Belgrade.

(Beijing, 26 October 2013) Forum for young political leaders between China and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe was held in Beijing, 23-25 October 2013. The forum was organized by the International Department of the CPC Central Committee in cooperation with the All-China Youth Federation and supported by the Secretariat of China - CEE. The event was attended by 43 representatives of the main political parties in the CEE countries, including three representatives from Serbia - Konstantin Samofalov, Member of Parliament and member of the International Department of the Democratic Party, Mirjana Jocković from Socialist Party of Serbia and Nikola Erić, a member of the Council on Foreign Relations of Serbian Progressive Party.

The forum was opened by Wang Jiarui, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee. The opening ceremony was attended by the heads of foreign missions in Beijing from CEE countries, including Charge d’ Affairs a.i. of the Embassy of Serbia T. Panajotović Cvetković, who met with the forum participants from Serbia.

(Beijing, 21 October 2013) Diplomatic football tournament „Milu Cup 2013“, organized by the Embassy of Serbia, with the support of the Association „Serbia and Friends“, was held in Beijing, in the hall of the National Olympic Sports Center on 19 October 2013. „Milu Cup“ was held in the presence of the Chinese media, the diplomatic corps, Serbian diaspora and Chinese football fans. Organized in honor of the famous football coach Bora Milutinović, „Milu Cup“ has grown into a traditional event, which annually brings together an increasing number of participants. This year 17 teams attended the tournament, with players from many more countries. In addition to the Embassy of Serbia, in the tournament participated the embassies of Bulgaria, Poland, France, Russia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Romania, Italy, Croatia and the combined team of South American countries „Suramerica“, as well as B. Milutinović’s team „Milu Stars Aspire“, teams of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the State Administration of Sports of China, and medias CCTV, CRI, Global Times and Sino-us.com. Exclusive sponsor of this year's „Milu Cup“ was the company „Shandong Hi-Speed Group“, while the media sponsors were China Radio International and Global Times.

Winning team of the fifth „Milu Cup“ was „Suramerica“. Second place went to the team „Milu Stars Aspire“, third to Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Serbia was fifth. Juan Manuel from „Suramerica“ won the „Best player“ award. Charge d’ Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of Serbia, Mrs. Tatjana Panajotović Cvetkovic, Deputy General Manager of "Shandong Hi-Speed Group" Mr. Deng Wenhua, and Mr. Bora Milutinović presented the trophies to the winning teams.

(Beijing, 13 October 2013) MFA of Serbia I. Mrkić had a meeting on 12 October 2013 with the Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of China Song Tao, who visited Belgrade for a meeting with the Chinese ambassadors from the CEE region, as part of preparations for the summit of China and CEE countries in Bucharest, at the end of November this year.

During the meeting, both sides expressed their willingness to further strengthen the strategic partnership between Serbia and China in all areas and confirmed a high degree of mutual trust and support. They emphasized an importance of a visit of the Serbian president T. Nikolić to China in August 2013, when a Joint declaration on deepening the strategic partnership between Serbia and China was signed. Referring to his meeting with Chinese MFA Wang during the visit of president Nikolić to China, Minister Mrkić reiterated his expectation that MFA Wang would soon visit Serbia.

Chinese side reiterated consistent support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Serbia and our views on Kosovo and Metohija, while Serbian side repeated its continued support to the policy of "one China".

MFA Mrkić and Vice-MFA Song Tao, who is also the Secretary General of the Secretariat for Cooperation between China and CEE countries, exchanged views on the upcoming China - CEE Summit, to which both sides attach great importance.

(Beijing, 20 September 2013) The charity exhibition match between Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic, the world No.1, and the famous Chinese tennis player Li Na, will be held on 27th of September at the China Open Diamond Court of the National Tennis Center in Beijing.

Li Na and Novak Djokovic will donate the entire amount earned from the ticket sales for this match to the Song Qing Ling Foundation, which is part of the China Youth Tennis Development Fund Project.

Organizers of the match are the Beijing China Open Promotion and the China Environmental Energy Holdings, as well as 51.give.org - Online Donation Platform.

15 thousand spectators are expected to attend this charity match, which will have media coverage from more than 60 international media companies.

The sports channel of the Chinese National Television CCTV5 will broadcast the match.

Information regarding the purchase of the tickets, are available at the website of the China Open, http://tickets.chinaopen.com.cn/index.asp

We invite all tennis fans, friends of Serbia and China, Serbian citizens in China, and all the people of good will to attend this game.

(Beijing, 30 August 2013) The President of the Republic of Serbia Tomislav Nikolic visited the People's Republic of China from 25 to 29 August 2013. During the visit to China, president Nikolić stayed in Beijing, Hangzhou and Shanghai. This is the first visit by a head of state from the region of Central and Eastern Europe to China since the election of the new Chinese leadership in March 2013. President Nikolić's spouse, Mrs. Dragica Nikolić, accompanied the president.

The delegation included the ministers of the Serbian Government – Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivan Mrkić, Minister of Construction and Urbanism Velimir Ilić and Minister of Mining, Natural Resources and Spatial Planning Milan Bačević.

In Beijing, president Nikolić met with the Chinese president Xi Jinping, Premier of the State Council Li Keqiang and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Zhang Dejiang. During the talks with the Chinese leadership, joint commitment to further strengthen the friendship and strategic partnership was confirmed. The two presidents signed a Joint Statement of the Republic of Serbia and the People’s Republic of China to deepen strategic partnership, while ministers signed several agreements on economic cooperation, infrastructure, agriculture and IT sectors.

It is expected that the state visit of the Serbian delegation, headed by President Nikolić, will start a new phase of friendship and strategic partnership between Serbia and China.

Serbian President also met in Beijing with senior representatives of Chinese companies operating in Serbia.

Serbian president gave separate interviews to newspapers Renmin Ribao, China Daily, as well as an exclusive interview to CCTV program "Leaders". In addition, Serbian president held a press conference for the representatives of the most influential Chinese media.

Spouse of Serbian president, Mrs. Dragica Nikolić, had a separate meeting with the Chinese president’s spouse, Mrs. Peng Liyuen.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivan Mrkić had a separate meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of China Wang Yi. Minister Mrkić said that the visit and signed agreements will further improve relations between the two friendly countries.

In the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Beijing on 27 August 2013, a reception was held for representatives of Chinese institutions, businessmen of the two countries and Serbian diaspora. The guests were addressed by President T. Nikolić. The guest of honor from the Chinese side was Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of China Mr. Song Tao.

On 28 August 2013 Serbian president opened the Forum on Economic and Trade Cooperation between Serbia and China in Hangzhou. In addition, he had a meeting with the Secretary of the CCP of the Zhejiang province, Mr. Xia Baolong, as well as with the Province Governor Mr. Li Qiang. During the visit to Hangzhou, Serbian president visited high-tech industrial park, IT company "Alibaba" and the car factory "Geely".

T. Nikolić visited Shanghai on 29 August, where he met with the executive vice-mayor Mr. Tu Guangshao and visited the Centre for Urban Planning of Shanghai.

(Beijing, 15 August 2013) The group of students from several high schools from Belgrade visited Serbian embassy in Beijing on 14 August 2013. Under the scholarships of the Confucius Institute in Belgrade, students from Serbia attended one-month Chinese language course in Beijing. Charge d’ Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of Serbia T. Panajotović Cvetković welcomed students from Serbia, who conveyed positive impressions about their stay in China and Beijing.

(Beijing, 5 August 2013) On Saturday 3 August 2013 in the evening Serbian film "Montevideo, Taste of a Dream" was aired on the movie channel of the Chinese national television CCTV-6. It is the first screening of a contemporary Serbian film on Chinese national television.

Before the film, a twenty minute show "The Best Movies" dedicated to "Montevideo" presented Serbia, telling a story about the history of Yugoslavia and Serbia, as well as the success of former Yugoslavia and present-day Serbia in the fields of sport and film.

This was followed by a telephone interview of the film director Dragan Bjelogrlić, in which he presented his ideas and impressions during the filming of "Montevideo", which became the most viewed modern Serbian film, shown at over 50 film festivals around the world.

After the film, four journalists and critics who visited Serbia shared their impressions, presenting our country as modern and desirable tourist destination.

(Beijing, 26 July 2013) Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of Serbia Goran Knežević and members of the delegation from the People's Republic of China, led by the Deputy Minister of Agriculture Mr. Niu Dun held on 25 July 2013 in Belgrade a meeting, discussing the potential of improving cooperation between the two countries in the field of agriculture.

On this occasion, the State Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of Serbia Danijel Golubović stressed the importance of improving relations between Serbia and China, noting that there is significant potential for improving cooperation in areas of agricultural machinery, meat processing, plant protection, in the field of scientific research and other categories of agro-industrial complex.

(Beijing, 7 July 2013) A Forum dedicated to cooperation between local governments of China and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe was held in the Chinese city of Chongqing from 1 to 5 July 2013. The Serbian delegation headed by Milomir Premović, deputy of the National coordinator for the China - CEE cooperation and Special Adviser to the Prime Minister of Serbia. Beside him, the delegation included Mayor of Leskovac Goran Cvetanović, Assistant Mayor of Novi Sad Vanja Vučenović, President of Regional Chamber of economy Subotica Slobodan Vojnović, Deputy director of Vojvodina investment promotion Milana Milić, Director of the Tourist Organization of Leskovac Žikica Nestorović, President of Municipality of Raška Jovan Čorbić, Vice Mayor of Kruševac Siniša Maksimović and economic representatives from several companies, as well as representatives of the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Beijing.

The Serbian delegation participated in several panel discussions in which the possibility of expanding cooperation between Chinese cities and provinces and 16 countries of CEE was discussed.

The head of Serbian delegation M. Premović gave several interviews - to China Radio International and local media - highlighting the good relations between Serbia and China and the successful cooperation in the field of infrastructure.

During the Forum an exhibition devoted to each of the 16 CEE countries was organized. The Serbian pavilion was very well attended.

(Beijing, 30 June 2013) The 2nd Session of Serbia-China Scientific and Technological Cooperation Committee was held in Beijing on 25 June 2013.

The delegation of the Republic of Serbia, which visited China 24-28 June 2013, was led by prof. Radivoje Mitrović, State Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia, while the Chinese delegation was led by Cao Jianlin, Vice Minister in the Ministry of Science and Technology of China.

Delegations exchanged information on key strategies and plans in the field of scientific and technological development as well as information on international scientific and technological cooperation.

The two sides evaluated the current joint projects in the fields of science and technology as a success and highlighted the commitment to enhance bilateral cooperation in the field of science and technology.

The third session of the Joint Committee for Scientific and Technological Cooperation will be held in Belgrade in 2015.

(Beijing, 23 June 2013) On 18 June 2013, in the "Broadway Cinematheque Moma" cinema in Beijing, in the presence of about 140 guests (Chinese citizens and students, representatives of Chinese institutions, the diplomatic corps and the Serbian diaspora), opening ceremony of the "Days of Serbian film in the People’s Republic of China" (Serbian film festival) was held.

Serbian Film Festival was opened by the Deputy Director General of the Film Bureau of the People’s Republic of China, Mrs. Zhang Ling and head of the film delegation of the Republic of Serbia and Adviser for Culture to the President of Republic of Serbia Mr. Radoslav Pavlovic. Visitors were addressed by the Charge d' Affaires a.i. of the Serbian Embassy in Beijing Mrs. Tatjana Panajotović Cvetković and actress Tamara Dragičević.

The opening ceremony was followed with a screening of the film "The Scent of Rain in the Balkans".

The film delegation of Serbia, during their stay in Beijing and Shanghai, held talks on mutual cooperation with representatives of institutions of the People's Republic of China - Film Bureau of the State Administration of Radio Film and Television, China Film Co-production Corporation and the Shanghai Film Festival.

From 18 to 22 June and from 1 to 5 July 2013, 5 contemporary Serbian films will be shown - "The Scent of Rain in the Balkans", "Professor Kosta Vujic’s Hat", "O Gringo", "When Day Breaks" and "Belgrade Phantom". The same films are shown in Shanghai from 21 to 25 June 2013.

(Beijing, 23 June 2013) Minister of Construction and Urbanization of Serbia Velimir Ilić paid a working visit to the People's Republic of China from 16 to 22 June 2013, at the invitation of Vice-governor of the Shandong Province and Shandong High-speed Group.

During his stay in Beijing, Minister Ilić had a meeting with the representatives of Chinese Exim Bank, in which was discussed the granting of preferential loans for the construction of the E-763 highway from Obrenovac to Ljig in Serbia.

During his visit to China, Minister Ilić also visited Jinan, the provincial capital of Shandong, where he held talks with Vice-Governor of the Province Zhang Chaochao and representatives of Shandong High-speed Group and Shandong International Economic and Technical Corporation.

(Beijing, 30 May 2013) At the invitation of the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Beijing, professors and students of the Department of Serbian Language of the Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU), visited the Embassy on the 29 May 2013. Charge d’ Affaires a.i. of the Embassy T. Panajotović Cvetkovic welcomed the guests from the BFSU, after which the students watched the Serbian movie "Professor Kosta Vujic’s Hat" directed by Zdravko Šotra. Representatives of the Embassy delivered to the students books in Serbian language and brochures about Serbia.

(Beijing, 20 May 2013) The first Forum on Cultural Cooperation between China and 16 Central and Eastern European Countries was held from 13 to 19 May 2013 in Beijing and Shenzhen. The delegation of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Serbia was led by minister Bratislav Petković.

During his stay in Beijing (13-16 May) minister B. Petković had a bilateral meeting with the minister of culture of the People’s Republic of China Mr. Cai Wu on the 13 May 2013, when a Programme of Cooperation in the Areas of Culture and Art between the Ministry of Culture and Information of Serbia and Ministry of Culture of China for the period 2013-2016 was signed.

The Forum expressed willingness to enhance cooperation and exchanges in the fields of culture and adopted the Guidelines for the development of cultural cooperation between China and CEE countries, which expressed the intention of all parties to further improve cultural cooperation.

During the Forum, a retrospective exhibition of cultural exchange between China and CEE was opened at the National Museum of China, where were, among others, exhibited photographs and publications that show long-lasting and fruitful cooperation between China and Serbia.

Delegation of the Ministry of Culture and Information of Serbia has also visited Shenzhen (16-19 May), and participated in a Forum on international marketing of products and projects in the field of culture.

(Beijing, 13 May 2013) In the organization of the China Centre for International Sports Exchange and the General Administration of Sport of China, 17th Beijing's diplomatic football tournament was held on 11 May 2013 in Beijing. The tournament was attended by 15 teams. Beside the organizers, at the tournament participated the teams from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the 12 embassies in Beijing (Germany, Denmark, Italy, UK, Romania, Switzerland, Hungary, Turkmenistan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Serbia). Serbian team, consisted of representatives of the Embassy and diaspora association "Serbia and Friends", won seventh place in the tournament.

(Beijing, 11 May 2013.) An exhibition of paintings of naive artists from Kovačica, Janoš Mesaroš and Jan Glozik, who attended the ceremony, was held on the 10 May 2013 in the residence of the Ambassador of Slovakia in Beijing.

The exhibition was opened by the Ambassador of Slovakia, H.E. F. Dlhopolček and Charge d’ Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of Serbia, T. Panajotović Cvetković. They presented the works of Mesaroš and Glozik and the school and naive painting of Kovačica, which gained worldwide popularity through the presentation of folklore motives of ethnic communities in Vojvodina, as a positive model of a multicultural environment and exchange.

The opening ceremony was attended by representatives of the diplomatic corps, the Chinese academic community and members of the Serbian and Slovak diasporas in Beijing.

(Beijing, 30 April 2013) Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia H.E. Mr. I. Mrkić participated in the 7th Ministerial Conference of the Community of Democracies, which was held in Ulan Bator in Mongolia from 27 to 29 April 2013. In addition to discussions with the host, Foreign Minister of Mongolia L. Bold, MFA I. Mrkić also held talks with the President of Mongolia T. Elbegdorj, Mongolia's Minister of Energy M. Sonompil and State Secretary of the Foreign Ministry of Mongolia Mr. G. Tsogtsaikhan.

At the sidelines of the Conference MFA I. Mrkić had meetings with U.S. Deputy of Secretary of State B. Burns, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand S. Tovichakchaikul, Parliamentary Senior Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Sh. Suzuki, Foreign Secretary in the MFA of Nepal D. P. Bhattarai, Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bhutan L. D. Tshering, Deputy Foreign Minister of Sierra Leone E. Jusu, MFA of Indonesia R.M. Marty M. Natalegawa, Secretary General of the OSCE L. Zannier. Minister I. Mrkić also had meetings with senior officials of Lithuania, Sweden, Brazil, Timor-Leste, Solomon Islands, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan, Norway, Ireland, Slovakia, R. of Korea and the EU.

(Beijing, 25 April) Fourth China-Europe High-level Political Parties Forum organized by the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China was held in the city of Suzhou from 20 to 24 April 2013. Leaders and senior representatives of the CPC and the political parties from Europe discussed the ways to strengthen the overall political and economic relations and cooperation between China and countries of Europe, through inter-party cooperation.

Delegations of 44 political parties from 27 European countries, including the Republic of Serbia, were represented in the Forum. The delegation of the Socialist Party of Serbia was headed by Milomir Premović, advisor to the Prime Minister of Serbia and President of the SPS Ivica Dačić, while the Serbian Progressive Party was represented by a member of its Economic Council Darko Popović.

During the discussions in the Forum, Milomir Premović stressed the importance of the Forum for the promotion of mutual understanding and inter-party cooperation and the strengthening of overall relations between China and Europe. He stressed the importance Serbia attaches to its strategic partnership with China.

(Beijing, 21 April 2013) The State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Mrs. Vera Mavrić visited People's Republic of China 18-21 April 2013 as head of the delegation at the regular political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia and the People’s Republic of China.

During the consultation with the Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of China Mr. Sung Tao on the 19 April, the two sides exchanged views on the status and prospects of further development of strategic relations between the two countries, first established by China with one of the countries of South East Europe, and Central and Eastern Europe.

The talks confirmed very good political relations, agreed to continue the exchange of high level visits and mutual support in the issues of national interest of the two countries.

The two sides discussed the specific modalities of cooperation in the economy, especially the infrastructure, energy, agriculture, tourism and culture, education and other matters.

State secretary V. Mavrić and Vice-Minister Sung Tao exchanged views on China's cooperation with the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, as well as new models for strengthening relationships.

During the visit, V. Mavrić was received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China Mr. Wang Yi. In a cordial meeting, the good basis for the further development of bilateral relations, mutual readinesses for further development of strategic partnership and strengthening cooperation on international issues were emphasized.

(Beijing, 21 April 2013) In the Embassy of Serbia in Beijing on the 18 April 2013 the ceremony of awarding the medals to former ambassadors of China to Serbia H.E. Mr. Li Guobang and H.E. Mr. Wei Jinghua was held. The two Ambassadors during their careers spent several mandates in Serbia and contributed to the development of friendly relations between the Republic of Serbia and the People’s Republic of China.

State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia H.E. Mrs. Vera Mavrić, who was in an official visit to P.R. of China, in the presence of about 80 guests (representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, CCP, university professors, business representatives of Serbia) and the media (Chinese Radio International, Guangming Daily, Global Times, Chinaworld, Home and Abroad New Press), decorated ambassadors with the Order of the Serbian Flag, Second Class. The Decree on their decorations was signed by the President of the Republic of Serbia Tomislav Nikolić, for their contribution in developing and consolidating cooperation and friendly relations between Serbia and China.

The ceremony was opened by Tatjana Panajotović Cvetković, Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the Serbian Embassy in Beijing. State Secretary Vera Mavrić held a speech in which she emphasized the important contribution of ambassadors Li and Wei in the development of friendly relations between Serbia and China.

Аfter reading the Decree of the President of the Republic of Serbia and the delivery of Medals, honored ambassadors gave speeches, expressing their gratitude and emphasizing teamwork and excellent cooperation they have enjoyed during their terms in the Republic of Serbia.

(Beijing, 15 April 2013) As a part of the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi, opera "Otello" was performed in the Opera hall of the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing on the 11 and 13 April 2013. In the international cast of the opera, led by the Italian opera director Giancarlo del Monaco, famous Serbian baritone and associate professor at the Faculty of Music in Belgrade Nikola Mijailović participated in the role of Jago. On behalf of the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Beijing, N. Mijailović was greeted by Charge d' Affaires a.i. T. Panajotović Cvetković.

(Beijing, 12 April 2013) At the international tourism fair in Beijing (China Outbound Tourism Market), held from 9 to 11 April 2013 in Beijing, Tourist Organization of Serbia presented the tourism potential of Serbia. TOS unveiled a new brochure on Serbia in the Chinese language to the visitors of the Fair and presented measures, such as visa facilitation, that sparked increased interest of Chinese tourists in Serbia in the last year. In 2012 number of Chinese tourists visiting Serbia was 39% higher than in the 2011. At the Fair in Beijing TOS Stand was very well positioned and equipped, had a lot of visitors, and won the award for the most beautiful stand. The fair was attended by more than 200 tour operators from 60 countries.

(Beijing, 9 April 2013) This year's Conference of the Boao Forum for Asia (5-8. April 2013) was attended by some 1,500 participants from 43 countries. The Forum brought together senior state representatives, influential international organizations, companies, banks, media and academic institutions. The conference was opened by the President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping and 12 other chiefs of states and governments, as well as the President of the UN General Assembly V. Jeremic. PGA UN V. Jeremic had meetings with the President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping, and other foreign officials at the sidelines of the Conference. Boao Forum for Asia is a non-profit organization that aims to promote mutual cooperation and development of Asian countries. It has been held since 2001 on the island of Hainan in the People's Republic of China, and every year it brings together leaders of Asian countries, heads of state and government from all over the world and representatives of business and academia.

(Beijing, 2 April 2013) At the invitation of Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU), Charge d’ Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of Serbia in Beijing T. Panajotović Cvetković visited the Department for Serbian Language and Literature at BFSU. She had talks with Chinese students of Serbian language and lecturer N. Radosavljević. Chinese students showed great interest in Serbia and a good knowledge of the Serbian language. During the conversation, representatives of the Embassy of Serbia presented the culture and customs of Serbia and answered students' questions.

(Beijing, 29. March 2013) Ninth anniversary of the pogrom of Serbs and non-Albanians in Kosovo and Metohija (17.3.2004) was marked on the 28.3.2013. in the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Beijing, by the Association of Serbs in China "Serbia and friends" and the Embassy, in the presence of about 40 representatives of the Serbian diaspora and foreign guests. After the acting president of the Association "Serbia and Friends" Z. Bogdanovic and Charge Affairs a.i. of the Embassy T.P. Cvetkovic addressed the guests, film regarding the 17th March pogrom "Crime without punishment" was screened.

(Beijing, March 2013) As part of the traditional celebration of Francophone month in China, Embassy of Serbia in Beijing, as in previous years, took an active part in cultural and sports events. At the Francophonie Film Festival this year Serbia presented the film "Montevideo," which was shown in four Chinese cities (Suzhou, Shanghai, Beijing and Nanjing). Projections in Beijing (cinema at the Embassy of Poland and theater Penghao) were well attended by the Chinese public, Serbian diaspora and diplomatic corps, welcomed by Charge d' Affaires a.i. Mrs. T. P. Cvetković.

In the organization of the French Embassy, the French Institute in China and L'Equipe, a diplomatic football tournament was held on the 9th March 2013 at the O'le football field in Beijing. Team of the Serbian Embassy was ranked 2nd, in the competition of teams of Austria, France, Bulgaria, D.R. of Congo and the Benelux.

On the internet forum of the French Embassy entitled "China and the Francophonie," among other messages of heads of diplomatic missions, message of Charge d' Affaires a.i. Mrs. T. P. Cvetković was published (click here).

(BEIJING, 14 March 2013) China Radio International broadcasted a statement of the Ministry Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia regarding the election of the new Chinese leadership and the development of China-Serbia relations, as well as a brief statement of Chargé d' affaires a.i. of the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Beijing Mrs T. Panajotović Cvetković on the election of lidership and management of internal reforms in China. You can listen to these statements here.

Starting from 4 April 2013, citizens of the People’s Republic of China - holders of SAR Macao passports, can travel to the Republic of Serbia without visa and can stay in Serbia up to 90 days within the period of 180 days from the date of the first entry.

(Beijing, 28 February 2013) Bilateral political consultations between the ministries of foreign affairs of Serbia and Mongolia were held in Ulan Bator on the 26 February 2013. Republic of Serbia was represented by Deputy Minister for Bilateral Cooperation Mr. Goran Aleksic, and Mongolia was represented by the State Secretary Mr. Gombo Tsogtsaikhan. The two sides discussed promotion of bilateral political, economic, cultural, educational and other fields of cooperation.

(Beijing, 20 February 2013) The reception was held in the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia on the 19 February 2013 on the occasion of the National Day and the Day of the Army of Serbia. The reception was attended by representatives of major Chinese institutions, diplomatic and consular corps, the military corps, leading Chinese medias, business, Serbian diaspora, and many Chinese friends of Serbia. On the Chinese side, the guests of honor were Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Le Yucheng, and the Chinese army's General Ci Guovei.

(Beijing, 4 February 2013) The Serbian Embassy in Beijing on 2 February 2013. held manifestation to celebrate St. Sava’s Day. For the third time, students of the Serbian supplementary school, with the support of the Embassy, the Association of Serbs in China and music teacher Iva Borisavljević, performed the recital and musical program. The ceremony was attended by many guests, including members of the diplomatic corps, the Serbian students in the People's Republic of China and others.

(Beijing, 28 January 2013) Minister of Natural Resources, Mining and Spatial Planning of the Republic of Serbia, Prof. dr Milan Bačević visited People's Republic of China 24-27 January 2013. During the visit, Minister Bačević met with officials and representatives of Chinese companies and signed a Protocol of Understanding for the development of a feasibility study of the construction of the waterway "Morava Channel." This project would be of great importance for Serbia, but it would also be very useful for the countries of Central and Western Europe, since the channel "Morava" would be associated with the largest waterway systems in Europe: the Rhine-Main-Danube, Odra-Visla and Seine-Rhone. During his visit to China, Minister Bačević visited the Chinese city Jichang, where the largest dam in the world "Three Gorges" is built.

(Beijing, 6 December, 2012.) Delegation of the Government of the Serbian Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, paid an official visit to the southern Chinese province of Guangdong 26-30 November 2012. The delegation, lead by President of Government of Vojvodina Bojan Pajtic, included President of the Assembly of Vojvodina Istvan Pasztor, Provincial Secretary of Economy, Employment and Gender Equality Miroslav Vasin, Provincial Secretary for International Cooperation Branislav Bugarski, other officials of the Government and the Assembly of Vojvodina. They were accompanied by the representatives of the Embassy of the Republic of Serbian - Ambassador Miomir Udovicki and economic adviser Zoran Djordjevic. As part of the "Week of the international exchange and cooperation" manifestation, organized by province Guangdong, an agreement was signed on establishing friendly relations between the provinces of Vojvodina and Guangdong, which represents institutional and legal platform for further improving overall relations between the two regions in various fields. On this occasion, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the P.R. of China Yang Jiechi delivered a speech in which he welcomed the establishment of cooperation between Guangdong and various regions in the world. During the stay in China, the delegation of Vojvodina visited cities Foshan and Shenzhen and discussed with Chinese partners the concrete possibilities for expanding cooperation.

(Beijing, 4 December 2012) "Global Times" organized first diplomatic basketball tournament, "Embassy Hoop Fest championship" on 1 December 2012. 16 teams participated in the tournament. In addition to the team of the organizer and three sponsor teams, teams of the 12 embassies in Beijing participated: USA, Canada, Thailand, Switzerland, Turkey, Slovenia, Poland, Italy, Argentina, Greece, Lithuania and Serbia. Serbian team won the first place in the tournament, with a maximum 6 wins. Serbian team passed through the group stage beating teams of Poland, Italy and the company Tian An Life Insurance. In the quarterfinals Serbia defeated the team of Greece, and in the semi-finals once more Tian An. Serbia won the first trophy of the diplomatic basketball tournament by defeating the U.S. Embassy team with the score of 14-13.

(BEIJING, 8 October 2012) The "China Open" tennis tournament was held in Beijing from 28 September to 7 October 2012. Players from Serbia – Jelena Janković, Ana Ivanović and Novak Djoković – participated in the tournament. The men's top seed N. Djoković triumphed, winning the "China Open" trophy for the third time. On behalf of the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia, N. Djoković was greeted by Mrs T. Panajotović Cvetković, Charge d' Affaires a.i. The tennis tournament in Beijing has once again confirmed the popularity of N. Djoković in China. Serbian player had the support of organized groups of Chinese fans on all the matches. N. Djoković is also one of the most popular athletes on Chinese social networks, where he has millions of "fans".

(Beijing, 17 September 2012) Diplomatic football tournament "Milu Cup 2012" was held in Beijing on 16 September 2012, in the honor of the famous Serbian football coach Bora Milutinović. "Milu Cup", held in the presence of the Chinese media, the diplomatic corps, Serbian diaspora and numerous Chinese football fans, has grown into a traditional event, which brings together an increasing number of participants every year. This year's tournament was attended by 23 teams, with players from 30 countries. The fourth "Milu Cup", organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia was won by the "Milu Stars Aspire" team, led by our famous coach. Second place went to the team of the Chinese State Committee for Sport and third place was won by the team of the Embassy of Serbia. Charge d' Affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia, Tatjana Panajotović Cvetković and CEO of China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC), sponsor of this year's, "Milu Cup" awarded the winners with the trophies.

(Beijing, 7 September 2012) Minister of Education, Science and Technology of the Republic of Serbia, Prof. dr Žarko Obradović, who is appointed as national coordinator for the cooperation of the Republic of Serbia and the People's Republic of China to the mechanism of cooperation between the P.R. of China and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), participated in the founding conference of the Secretariat for cooperation between China and CEE countries, which was held in Beijing 4-6 September 2012. At the meeting of the national coordinators and at a special reception held by the Premier of the State Council of the Peoples Republic of China, Mr. Wen Jiabao, Minister Obradović presented the development projects of the Republic of Serbia in the field of infrastructure, energy, telecommunications, environment, science, health, education and other areas. On this occasion, Mr. Obradović presented the Chinese side the invitation of the Serbian Prime Minister Mr. Ivica Dačić to hold the next meeting of the prime ministers of CEE Countries and China in Serbia in 2013. During the visit Minister Obradović met with the Minister of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China, and discussed current bilateral scientific and technological cooperation in order to further promote the strategic partnership between the Republic of Serbia and the People’s Republic of China.

(Beijing, 19 July 2012) Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia and the elected President of the 67th Session of the UN General Assembly V. Jeremić visited People's Republic of China at the invitation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Yang Jiechi, 16-18 July 2012. Members of delegation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia were State Secretary I. Mrkić, Deputy Minister for Bilateral Cooperation Z. Ponoš and advisor in the Office of the Minister D. Krnjević Misković. In addition to talking with the host, Minister Yang Jiechi, with whom the Minister V. Jeremić exchanged views on the UN's work, as well as on a number of issues of international concern, V. Jeremic and delegation were also received by the vice president of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping. Two sides exchanged views on the state and prospects of bilateral relations between the Republic of Serbia and People’s Republic of China.

(Belgrade, 26 June 2012) With the screening of the the film "Mother" in Belgrade Cultural Center began the First Contemporary Chinese film festival. Before the screening the audience was addressed by Acting Director of the Film Center of Serbia Miroljub Vuckovic, who said that the audience at the festival will be able to see seven movies of recent production. Deputy Director General of the China Film Bureau of the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television of China, Zhang Hongsen noted that China and Serbia have a long history of cooperation in the field of film. He recalled that the Serbian movies, like ''Walter Defends Sarajevo'' had a major influence on a whole generation of Chinese people. Zhang Hongsen said that in 2010. a Serbian film festival was held in China and that presented movies left a strong impression. ''We are confident that the Contemporary Chinese film festival will achieve the same result'' he said, adding that the Serbian audience will be able to meet the realities of Chinese life today through these films. Minister for Culture, Media and Information Society of Serbia, Predrag Markovic, said that this Festival is a great opportunity to further facilitate cooperation between Serbia and China in the field of film, including possible co-production in the future. The Festival is organized by the Film Center of Serbia in cooperation with the Cultural Center of Belgrade, and with the support of Ministry of Culture, Media and Information Society of Serbia and the China Film Bureau of the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television of the People's Republic of China. During the four days of the festival, six films and one animated film will be shown.

(Beijing, 25 June 2012) On Saturday 23 June 2012 at the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Beijing a ceremony was held to mark the end of the school year in the Serbian supplementary school in Beijing. Graduation ceremony was attended by the Charge d' Affaires of the Embassy of Serbia in Beijing, M. Mandic, Minister Counselor at the Embassy of BiH Z. Zirojević, representatives of the Association „Serbia and friends“ and parents. The pupils, along with the teacher Natasa Radosavljevic prepared a special program, which began chanting hymn of the Republic of Serbia. Serbian supplementary school in Beijing started its work two years ago. (Radio CRI)

(Beijing, 14 May 2012) Team of the Embassy of Serbia attended the 16th diplomatic Football Cup, which was organized by the State Administration of Sport of the People’s Republic of China, on 12 May 2012, in Xianghe, near Beijing. In a competition of 15 teams, the Embassy of Turkmenistan won the tournament, while the Serbian Embassy team finished ninth.

(Beijing, 30 April 2012) At the Eighth International Tourism Fair in Beijing, dedicated to Chinese tourists traveling abroad (China Outbound Travel and Tourism Market - COTTM), Tourist Organization of Serbia (TOS) presented the tourism potential of Serbia and invited Chinese partners to cooperate. On the opening day of the Fair, in the presence of media and Chinese travel agencies, TOS presented natural beauty and tourist attractions of Serbia that are offered to Chinese tourists. TOS stand was very well visited during the fair, especially by the press and travel agents. In a press conference, TOS communicated to the tourist officials of the People’s Republic of China that there are special visa facilitation for group travels to Serbia.