Serbian Deputy Prime Minister says country will continue projects with China

Serbian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Ivica Dačić said that Serbia will continue joint projects with China and cooperation in the fight against cross-border crime.

Dačić stated this at the Global Forum on Public Security Cooperation in Lianjungang, adding that Serbia is working to improve international cooperation and create a safe environment for citizens and the economy.

“Serbia and China are bound by mutual trust in matters of the highest strategic importance for both countries,” Dacic said, adding that China’s support for Serbia’s territorial integrity is of great importance and that Belgrade supports Beijing’s global security initiative.

“We are determined to make a full contribution to stability in the region and in the world. We want to be part of the solution and take responsibility in solidarity,” Dačić said.

The strengthening of relations between Serbia and China followed the rise to power of the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS). In May, Serbia and China signed around 30 bilateral agreements and memoranda. Chinese President Xi Jinping said that these documents demonstrate “high-quality cooperation within the Belt and Road Initiative.”

The most important of these is the China-Serbia Free Trade Agreement. In the next five to ten years, almost 95 percent of Serbian products will be able to be exported to China without tariffs or duties.