International Forum on the "Belt and Road" China-Serbia Cooperation Prospects Held in Belgrade
Experts and scholars from China and Serbia gathered to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation. Deng Chundong, Party Committee Secretary of the Institute of Marxism Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), delivered a speech at the opening ceremony.
China Radio International report (by reporter Zhao Hongchao): On the 6th, the "International Forum on the Prospects of China-Serbia Cooperation under the 'Belt and Road' Initiative" [1] was held in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. The forum was jointly organized by the Institute of Marxism Studies at CASS, the Confucius Institute at the University of Novi Sad in Serbia, and the China-Serbia Cultural Exchange Association. More than thirty scholars and professors from Chinese social research institutions, along with Serbian experts and scholars, conducted discussions centered on the theme of "Strengthening International Cooperation between China and Serbia."
Deng Chundong, Party Committee Secretary of the Institute of Marxism Studies at CASS, interpreted the foundation of China-Serbia friendship during the opening ceremony: First, Serbia was once part of the socialist camp, and there is a tradition of friendship between China and Serbia; second, after the disintegration of the former Yugoslavia, Serbia continued to maintain close ties with China, and China remains highly attentive to the situation in Serbia; finally, during NATO's bombing of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, the friendship between China and Serbia withstood the crucible of blood and fire [2], becoming even more steadfast over time. He pointed out that in recent years, under the advocacy of President Xi Jinping, China-Serbia relations have been further elevated. He expressed hope that this forum could achieve the following objectives: first, to further promote friendly cooperation between the two countries and friendship between their peoples; second, to drive new achievements in China-Serbia cooperation under the "Belt and Road" Initiative; and third, to strengthen exchanges, cooperation, and friendship with the Communist Party of Serbia across all fields.
Ivana Živančević-Sekeruš, Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy at the University of Novi Sad, Serbia, delivered an address at the opening ceremony.
In her remarks, Dean Ivana Živančević-Sekeruš stated that the "Belt and Road" Initiative is a crystallization of advanced thought and a practical model for achieving international connectivity. It is not only beneficial to China’s neighboring countries but also holds great significance for the global resolution of current problems facing the world and regional economies.
Yan Yuqing, Deputy Director of the Red Flag Manuscript (Hongqi Wengao) [3] journal, interpreted "Third Pole Culture" at the forum.
In the subsequent discussions, Yan Yuqing conveyed Chinese concepts such as "valuing harmony and cooperation" (shàng hé hé) and "seeking Great Unity" (qiú dà tóng) [4] to Serbian scholars by interpreting "Third Pole Culture." She expressed hope to act as an emissary of exchange and communication in the interactions between China and Serbia.
Josip Joška Broz, Chairman of the Communist Party of Serbia and grandson of Tito [5], spoke at the forum.
In his speech, Josip Joška Broz also stated that the Chinese people have always been friends of Serbia. The Serbian people will never forget history; although some countries attempt to block cooperation between China and Serbia, he believes that Serbia's important future partners are China and Russia, and he hopes for the continued economic development of both China and Serbia.
A group photo was taken of some of the participating experts and scholars from both China and Serbia.
Ivana Radović, a researcher at the Institute of International Politics and Economics in Serbia, also presented her reflections on the "Belt and Road" Initiative during the seminar. She stated that the "Belt and Road" has promoted the development of relevant countries and the economic integration between China and the rest of the world; it is a long-term development strategy. The "16+1" [6] is a platform for political dialogue conducive to strengthening cooperation between China and Central and Eastern Europe. Serbia and China enjoy a historical friendship, and Serbia’s unique geographical location dictates its role as a vital link in the "Belt and Road." China and Serbia can further expand cooperation in trade, people-to-people exchanges, energy, and telecommunications.
Source: CRI