Xi hails Serbia's wartime sacrifice

China and Serbia should enhance cooperation in the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative to benefit the people of both countries, President Xi Jinping said on Monday.

Chinese and Serbian people made great sacrifices in the Asian and European battlefields respectively during World War II and it the common goal and mission of both countries to defend peace, Xi said.

He made the remarks while meeting with Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic, in Beijing to attend the military parade on Sept 3 to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II and victory in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (1937-45).

Serbia is China's sincere partner in the Central and East European region, and the two countries have boosted mutual respect, trust and support in past years, Xi said.

He spoke highly of Nikolic's contribution to deepened strategic ties, saying China is satisfied with the current situation of bilateral ties.

Nikolic said Serbia wants to enhance cooperation with China in industries including telecommunication, vehicle manufacture, transportation and water infrastructure.

He said Serbia deems China a sincere partner and he was glad to come to celebrate the 70th anniversary of victory in the anti-Fascism war.

About 30 foreign leaders are in China to attend the military parade. Nikolic was the first foreign leader met by Xi during the events.