China-Serbia forum highlights cooperation, civilizational dialogue

BELGRADE, June 10 (Xinhua) -- A forum on China-Serbia cooperation and exchange was held here Tuesday, spotlighting the enduring partnership between the two countries and underscoring the importance of cultural exchange, mutual respect, and global cooperation.

In his opening remarks, Chinese Ambassador to Serbia Li Ming described the forum's theme of "dialogue" as both timely and significant. It not only reflects the essence of China-Serbia relations, marked by communication, mutual respect, and win-win cooperation, but also highlights how peoples and nations can bridge differences, enhance mutual trust, seek common ground, and coexist harmoniously in an increasingly complex global environment.

Speaking highly of the achievements of China-Serbia cooperation across various sectors, he also highlighted the dialogue between the two nations as "a civilizational dialogue spanning thousands of years, a cooperation dialogue for common prosperity, and a friendship dialogue that brings the hearts of the two peoples together."

Joining the event remotely from Chengdu, where she is attending the second Belt and Road Conference on Science and Technology Exchange, Marina Ragus, deputy speaker of the National Assembly of Serbia, said China and Serbia are entering a new phase of multifaceted cooperation. "China is starting to mean life to us," Ragus said, highlighting China's holistic approach to integrating its development with global progress.

"For this development to be possible, the basic prerequisite is global security, or peace, and for the world to live in peace, mutual respect and appreciation of cultural and civilizational differences is necessary," she said. "Serbia has started to write this successful story together with our Chinese friends."

Ivana Vucicevic, director of Belgrade's Studio B television station, detailed how the network has broadcast hundreds of hours of Chinese content, including documentaries, dramas, and animation, under the Belt and Road framework. "Media cooperation between China and Serbia has become increasingly dynamic," she said, adding that such exchanges help to tell the authentic stories of both nations.

The forum coincided with the first UN International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations. A video message by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi delivered for this global event was played at the event and drew enthusiastic responses from attendees, including officials, scholars, and media professionals from both countries.

Filip Filipovic, a Serbian PhD candidate at China's Fudan University, praised the remarks of Wang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, particularly the announcement of planned initiatives for 2028 and concrete steps for cultural exchange. In these uncertain times, China's commitment sends a reassuring message to the world, he said.

"As a small nation navigating complex geopolitical realities throughout history, the Serbian people deeply cherish the vision of a more equal, inclusive, and peaceful international order, precisely the values emphasized by Minister Wang," he added.