Hailing the traditional friendship between the two countries, Xi told his Serbian counterpart that China-Serbia practical cooperation and people-to-people exchanges have yielded fruitful results.

China highly values the friendship with Serbia and cherishes the good momentum of vigorous development of bilateral ties, he stressed.

Xi called on both sides to adhere to the principles of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, make ties more strategic and comprehensive, expand practical cooperation in various fields so as to promote all-round and in-depth development of China-Serbia relationship.

Xi expounded to his host China's economic and social progress, stressing that China will develop in way that suits the state of the country and will adhere to the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, adding that China is fully confident in its future.

As an old friend and true friend, Serbia is glad to see China's great achievements in socialism development and reform and opening-up, Nikolic said, stressing that both sides should firmly support each other on issues of core interests and major concerns.

Serbia is ready to join hands with China to promote bilateral ties to a higher level, said Nikolic.

Earlier in the day, Xi arrived in Belgrade for a state visit to Serbia. It is the first state visit by a Chinese head of state to Serbia in 32 years, and Xi's second trip to Central and Eastern Europe in less than three months.

(Xinhua News Agency June 17, 2016)