Li: We value Serbia as pillar of China-EU cooperation

BELGRADE - Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang said Thursday that China appreciates Serbia's balanced strategy between East and West, and the readiness of the Serbian side to stand as a strategic pillar of the China-EU cooperation.

The long-standing friendship between the two countries is at its highest level, said Li during the meeting with Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic.

China feels that the cooperation with Europe, including the cooperation established with Central and Eastern European countries, benefits the European integration process, he said.

We believe that every country, whether in the East or the West, gives its contribution to the civilization of the world, stressed the Chinese prime minister.

Noting that he is happy to have the opportunity to visit Serbia, Li pointed out that the meeting of heads of government of China and CEECs was very successful and that the cooperation with the participating countries is part of the cooperation with the EU.

China is a country that continues to develop, said Li.

After conducting reforms and opening up to the world, we are now focusing on economic development and improving the citizens' standard of living. There is a long road ahead of us and the Chinese-European cooperation, said Li, adding that the EU is China's largest trade partner.

Photo Tanjug - Rade Prelic