Vučić says Xi personally awarded him and Putin the Order of Friendship

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić concluded his official visit to China expressing optimism about the opportunities created for Serbia through his meetings with Chinese leadership. He stated that the doors are wide open for continued successful cooperation, highlighting the strong and excellent relationship between Serbia and China.

A significant moment of the visit was Vučić's reception of the Order of Friendship from Chinese President Xi Jinping. Vučić noted that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin are the only two leaders to have personally received this award from Xi Jinping. He attributed the honor to Serbia's "brave and honest stance in the modern world," contrasting it with what he described as negative and false reporting from some regional media.

Discussions during the visit covered various areas of bilateral cooperation. Vučić specifically sought Chinese companies' support for the Pčinjski district in southern Serbia. The talks also delved into technology transfer, particularly in robotics and artificial intelligence, with Vučić expressing Serbia's desire to join the semiconductor supply chain. More frequent consultations on important issues were also agreed upon.

Addressing claims of financial dependence on China, Vučić dismissed them as a "senseless story," asserting that "money is money" regardless of its origin. He also commented on a U.S. State Department report mentioning the "malign influence of Russia and China" in the Western Balkans, stating that Serbia respects Washington's views and will continue its cooperation with the United States.