BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — 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.
Xi arrived in Serbia to a warm welcome on Tuesday evening from France, where he had a high-stakes state visit dominated by trade disputes and Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Xi will proceed to Hungary later on Wednesday, which, like Serbia, is seen as one of China’s more friendly partners in Europe.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and other top officials welcomed Xi at the airport on Tuesday after his plane was escorted by military jets. Vucic said Xi’s visit was a “great honor” and that China is an “inspiration” for Serbia.
Signs of pro-China sentiments were clearly visible — a huge Chinese flag was placed on a skyscraper along a roadway leading into the city from the airport. Smaller Chinese and Serbian flags could be seen downtown and along a highway.
Spring Bud Blooms on Daliang Mountain
Another month of robust US job growth points to continued economic strength
Movie Review: ‘Food, Inc. 2’ revisits food system, sees reason for frustration and (a little) hope
Odysseus: Moon lander tipped over at touchdown, limiting the data it's sending
Spring Bud Blooms on Daliang Mountain
More than two million child sex abuse files found in man's possession
Dead whale in New Jersey had a fractured skull among numerous injuries, experts find
'Immaculate' review: Things get scary for Sydney Sweeney in a convent
Hebei Improves Cadres' Ability to Protect Women, Children's Rights
April's total solar eclipse promises to be the best yet for experiments