2010-07-15 14:08

BEIJING - Top Chinese legislator Wu Bangguo, who arrived in Belgrade on Wednesday for a goodwill visit, held talks to further develop Sino-Serbian ties and cooperation with the country's senior leadership.

Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress(NPC), said in a written statement upon his arrival that China attached great importance to the development of Sino-Serbian relations and regarded Serbia as a good friend and good partner.

China is willing to further consolidate its bilateral ties with Serbia in the spirit of mutual respect, equality and win-win policy, Wu said.

"I am looking forward to exchanging views with the Serbian leaders on Sino-Serbian relations and issues of mutual concern during my stay here," he added.

Wu is the first NPC chairman to visit Serbia over the past decade. China and Serbia have kept long-time friendship and shared mutual support and respect.

Serbian President Boris Tadic visited China last August and reached agreements with Chinese President Hu Jintao on establishing the strategic partnership, which opened a new page for the relationship.

In an interview with Xinhua, Chinese Ambassador Wei Jinghua said Wu's visit was of vital and far-reaching historic significance, adding that it would push the two countries' bilateral ties to a higher level.

While meeting with Tadic on Wednesday, Wu pledged to inject new impetus to the traditional friendship between China and Serbia.

"I am here to help realize the consensus between the two heads of states, pushing forward our strategic partnership and traditional friendship," Wu said.

Sino-Serbian relations are time-tested and have endured many changes in the international situation, he said. Wu attributed this to the mutual support between the two countries on issues concerning the core interests of one another.

"This precious legacy should be cherished by both peoples, and will serve as a fundamental guarantee of the further development of Sino-Serbian ties," Wu said.

Speaking of trade relations, Wu stressed the two sides should strengthen cooperation in infrastructure building and investment.

Tadic said developing relations with China was one of Serbia's diplomatic priorities, and his government would like to strengthen exchanges with China in all areas and at all levels.

The two sides should maintain coordination in the UN as well as other international organizations, he added.

The Serbian leader also appreciated China's support on the Kosovo issue, reaffirming that Serbia would firmly adhere to the one-China policy.

On Wednesday afternoon, Wu also held talks with Serbian Parliamentary Speaker Slavica Djukic-Dejanovic.

Wu said the NPC valued its relations with the Serbian parliament. He suggested the two legislatures enhance exchanges between special committees and friendship groups, encourage contacts between young legislators, and strengthen coordination in the international parliamentary organizations.

Djukic-Dejanovic said furthering relations with China had long been the aspiration of all Serbian parties, and the Serbian parliament supported the government's decision to push forward cooperation with China, and would promote exchanges with the NPC.

Six documents on cultural and trade cooperation were signed after the talks. Wu also attended late Wednesday the groundbreaking ceremony of a bridge to be built in Belgrade with the Chinese assistance.

He is expected to meet Serbian Prime Minister Mirko Cvetkovic during his three-day visit.

Invited by Djukic-Dejanovic, Wu is the highest-ranking Chinese official to visit Serbia since the two countries established their strategic partnership in 2009.

Serbia is the second leg of Wu's three-nation Europe tour after France. He will leave Belgrade for Switzerland on Friday for a visit and to attend the Third World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva.