Chinese leader Xi Jinping is set to meet Wednesday with Serbian officials and said he hopes his visit will further boost already friendly relations with the Balkan country, which is seeking entry to the European Union.

Belgrade

**China's Xi lands in Serbia, one of his three stops in Europe**

Chinese leader Xi Jinping has arrived in Serbia as part of his European tour, aiming to strengthen the already positive relations with the Balkan nation. During his visit, Xi is scheduled to meet with Serbian officials. The objective of his trip is to foster closer ties with Serbia, a country that is currently in the process of seeking membership in the European Union.

Upon his arrival in Belgrade, Xi was welcomed by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. The reception included a traditional dance performance on the airport tarmac, symbolizing the solid partnership between Serbia and China. The streets of Belgrade were decorated with Chinese flags, signaling the country's enthusiasm and respect for Xi, who will be spending two days in Serbia. This visit marks Serbia as one of only three European destinations on Xi’s itinerary.

In recent years, Serbia and China have developed a profound strategic partnership, with significant Chinese investment flowing into the Balkan nation. China has provided billions of euros for infrastructure projects and has established a presence in several Serbian mines and factories. The visit by Xi is anticipated to lead to further trade deals and agreements, thereby bolstering the economic and diplomatic bond between the two nations.

Serbia is recognized as a major supporter of China's Belt and Road Initiative within the European Union. Along with Hungary, Serbia is one of the few European countries maintaining a sympathetic stance towards Russia. The decision by Xi to visit Serbia and Hungary is viewed by analysts as significant, especially as the European Union intensifies its scrutiny over Beijing's relationship with Moscow.



China's Xi lands in Serbia, one of his three stops in Europe

Landing in Belgrade late into the night, Xi Jinping was greeted by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, before being treated to a traditional dance right on the tarmac. A red carpet welcome that highlighted the crucial partnership between Serbia and China. In Belgrade, the streets were adorned with Chinese flags ahead of Xi's arrival, as the capital seemed to brim with anticipation and even a sense of pride, with Serbia one of only three stops on the Chinese president's European tour. We have friends all over the world, but China is a little bigger than the rest. We owe the president our respect. He stays for two days, it's a nice surprise that he chose to come here. Serbia and China have in recent years forged the deep strategic partnership that's seen Beijing invest heavily in the Balkan country. China has lent Serbia billions of euros for infrastructure development and runs several mines and factories across the country. More trade deals and agreements are expected to be signed during Xi Jinping's visit, which could also serve to reinforce diplomatic ties. Serbia is among the EU's biggest backers of China's Belt and Road Initiative, and together with Hungary, one of the few European countries still sympathetic to Russia. Analysts have noted Xi's choice to visit these two nations, as the rest of the bloc seeks to ramp up pressure on Beijing over its ties with Moscow.

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