Đurić: Young people are key stakeholders in the future of Serbia–China relations
Minister Đurić recalled that, during his numerous visits to China, he had the opportunity to witness firsthand how the country has, in just over half a century, undergone a comprehensive transformation and achieved remarkable development in the economy, science, arts, and technology, significantly improving the living standards of hundreds of millions of people—one of the most striking examples of modern development in today’s world.
He pointed out that Serbia and China are linked by more than seven decades of uninterrupted friendship and cooperation, dating back to 1955, which has steadily evolved and strengthened on the foundations of mutual respect and understanding.
“The friendship we today rightly describe as steel-like represents one of the most important pillars of the foreign policy of the Republic of Serbia,” Đurić emphasized.
He underlined that Serbia is proud to be China’s first comprehensive strategic partner in Central and Eastern Europe and the first European country to build a community with a shared future with China in the New Era—representing the highest level of cooperation that any European country maintains with the People’s Republic of China.
Đurić noted that these relations are grounded in the strategic vision of the President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, and the President of the People’s Republic of China, Xi Jinping, and are further strengthened through the mechanism of cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European countries, as well as the Belt and Road Initiative.
He placed particular emphasis on the importance of cultural exchange, stressing that it has always been at the very heart of Serbia–China friendship, and highlighted the Chinese Cultural Center in Belgrade and the Serbian Cultural Center “Ivo Andrić” in Beijing as lasting bridges connecting the two societies.
Speaking about the international camp, Minister Đurić assessed that it represents a natural continuation and modernization of Serbia–China cooperation, as it brings together younger generations and contributes to strengthening mutual understanding, deepening cultural cooperation, and injecting new energy and knowledge into bilateral relations.
He emphasized that knowledge is the greatest resource of the future and expressed his gratitude to the representatives of the company Mint for their support in the implementation of this program.
Referring to the current period of global challenges, the Minister conveyed that friendships based on trust, consistency, and mutual respect acquire particular value, expressing confidence that future generations will continue to nurture and further advance the exceptional relations between
Serbia and China.
Addressing the young participants of this year’s camp, Minister Đurić stated that they are the heirs and standard-bearers of a great friendship, and that it is their responsibility to preserve it, enrich it, and carry it forward into the future. He wished them successful work, new friendships, and unforgettable experiences.
The opening of the camp was also addressed by the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Serbia, Li Ming, as well as the Director of the Chinese Cultural Center, Zhang Aimin, who highlighted the importance of this program as a unique bridge of cooperation between the two countries.
