Expand / Collapse search
Watch TV
Menu

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ©2024 FOX News Network, LLC. All rights reserved. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Market data provided by Factset. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Legal Statement. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper.

Europe

China, Serbia sign over 20 agreements, pledge to boost ties

Associated Press
Published | Updated
  • 62c1abc4-
    Image 1 of 3

    Xi Jinping, China's President, center, applauds during a ceremony in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, June 18, 2016. Xi arrived in Serbia for a visit meant to boost relations with the friendly nation and assert China's intention to increase its presence in the Balkans and Europe. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic) (The Associated Press)

  • 411b33f2-
    Image 2 of 3

    Chinese President Xi Jinping, left, and his Serbian counterpart, Tomislav Nikolic, shake hands at the start of their meeting in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, June 18, 2016. Xi arrived in Serbia for a visit meant to boost relations with the friendly nation and assert China's intention to increase its presence in the Balkans and Europe. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic) (The Associated Press)

  • e8017611-
    Image 3 of 3

    Xi Jinping, China's President, left, is congratulated by his Serbian counterpart, Tomislav Nikolic, after being presented with a state medal in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, June 18, 2016. Xi arrived in Serbia for a visit meant to boost relations with the friendly nation and assert China's intention to increase its presence in the Balkans and Europe. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic) (The Associated Press)

BELGRADE, Serbia – President Xi Jinping says China wants to deepen its relations with Serbia as the two countries signed a series of agreements, reflecting the Asian power's efforts to boost its presence in the Balkans.

Xi on Saturday signed a declaration on strategic partnership with Serbia's President Tomislav Nikolic. He also oversaw the signing of 21 agreements and memorandums ranging from economy, infrastructure, energy and finance to defense industry, technology, culture and media.

Xi said "the development of our relations is based on big projects." He added that Serbia holds an important position in China's "One Belt, One Road" initiative — a sweeping plan to deepen trade relations and open new markets.

Xi also said China supports Serbia's bid to join the European Union.