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