On the evening of May 25, President Xi Jinping held a presentation ceremony for the Friendship Medal for Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

The national flags of China and Serbia stood in neat rows, and the golden pattern of the Friendship Medal shone brightly on the backdrop. Honor guards of the People’s Liberation Army stood solemnly on the two sides of the presentation platform.

As the ceremony commenced, the solemn and majestic ceremonial music rang out, and the golden door slowly opened. President Xi and President Vučić walked into the hall together, accompanied by Madame Peng Liyuan and Madame Tamara Vučić. All guests stood up and gave a warm round of applause, and fixed their eyes on them in salutation.

President Xi and President Vučić ascended to the platform.

The military band played the national anthem of the People’s Republic of China.

President Xi delivered remarks.

President Xi noted that President Vučić has long been committed to promoting China-Serbia friendship and advancing the bilateral relationship. He is an active contributor to and a firm defender of the China-Serbia comprehensive strategic partnership. On issues involving China’s core interests and major concerns, President Vučić has always given China the most resolute and unequivocal support, and won the respect of the Chinese people. Currently, political mutual trust between China and Serbia remains rock-solid, practical cooperation is producing remarkable results, and the everlasting China-Serbia friendship has taken root in the mind of the two peoples. The two countries have done projects one after another that stand as classic examples of friendly cooperation. As facts have shown, by supporting each other and pursuing common development, China and Serbia have achieved win-win results and helped each other succeed. The relationship has delivered tangible benefits to the two peoples, set an example for state-to-state exchanges, and provided a model of inspiration for the international community.

President Xi underscored that the Friendship Medal is the highest honorary medal of the People’s Republic of China bestowed on foreign nationals. This medal is not just a recognition of how much President Vučić has done for China-Serbia friendship; it also embodies the strong yearning of the two peoples for building a China-Serbia community with a shared future in the new era. The friendship between China and Serbia, tempered through blood and fire, has proven even more precious amidst the fast-changing international landscape. Both the Chinese and Serbian peoples stand firm in pursuing independence, defending national dignity, and safeguarding international fairness and justice, and will continue to achieve new victories on their respective journey of development and revitalization.

After the president’s remarks, Wang Yi, Deputy Director of the Awards and Honors Committee of China and Minister of Foreign Affairs, read out the Decree of the President of the People’s Republic of China on Medal Presentation.

The honor guards escorted the Friendship Medal into the hall.

To the sound of solemn music, President Xi placed the medal on President Vučić. The two heads of state shook hands warmly. Sustained applause filled the hall.

The military band played the national anthem of the Republic of Serbia.

President Vučić delivered remarks in reply: I thank China for conferring on me the Friendship Medal. I accept the medal on behalf of Serbia and the Serbian people. This is one of the most important moments of my life. This medal is not only a highest honor for me in person, but also a recognition of Serbia’s pursuit of sovereignty, independence, and development. China has always respected smaller countries. It has always stood with the Serbian people in difficult times, and helped with Serbia’s development. We will never forget China’s support and assistance. I will continue to commit myself to Serbia-China friendship, and work with China to jointly build a Serbia-China community with a shared future.

Director of the Awards and Honors Committee of China Cai Qi and Deputy Directors Li Ganjie, Li Hongzhong and Wu Zhenglong attended the ceremony.