Against the backdrop of a turbulent and changing international situation, China and Serbia should continue to strengthen coordination and cooperation in international affairs, practice true multilateralism, and make joint efforts to promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, as well as the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, Xi said.

Vucic, in his speech, congratulated China on the successful formulation and implementation of its 15th Five-Year Plan.

"Esteemed President Xi, dear friend, over the past 10 years since we established the strategic partnership between the People's Republic of China and Serbia, we have achieved major and significant results," Vucic told his host.

He said the Serbian people will never forget China's support for the European country in safeguarding its independence and sovereignty, and in independently exploring a development path suited to its own conditions. Serbia is grateful to Chinese companies for participating in its national development and making important contributions, Vucic said.

According to a social media post of the Serbian president, nearly 40,000 people in his country now work for Chinese companies, and four of the top six exporting enterprises in Serbia are from China.

Serbia attaches great importance to developing relations with China and firmly supports China's core interests, he said. Belgrade looks forward to working with Beijing to deepen high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, advance major projects, enhance people-to-people exchanges and achieve more tangible results in bilateral relations, Vucic said.

He noted that China, as a major country, has always treated small countries with equality and respect and abided by international law, setting an example for the world.

Vucic arrived in Beijing on Sunday for a five-day state visit, his first to China as Serbian president.

Premier Li Qiang and Wang Huning, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, held separate meetings with him on Monday.