Sino-Serbian youth dialogue boosts cultural bond
The role of young people in the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Serbia was highlighted during a friendly dialogue at the Chinese Cultural Center in Belgrade on Tuesday.
The event, with the theme "Dream of Youth, Development of Future," was joined by students from both nations, representatives from the Serbian government, the Chinese Embassy in Serbia, overseas companies, and cultural institutions, as well as researchers and experts.
Liu Dawei, vice president of China International Communications Group (CICG), delivers a speech via video link at the China-Serbia Youth Friendship Dialogue on Jan. 9, 2024. [Photo/CICG]
Liu Dawei, vice president of China International Communications Group (CICG), delivered a speech via video link. He said that China and Serbia have enjoyed a deep and lasting friendship, which is based on historical ties, shared vision, and mutual support. He highlighted the role of young people in enhancing cultural exchange and mutual learning between the two countries, and carrying on the friendship.
He urged the youths of both countries to find new opportunities through dialogue and cooperation, and contribute to promoting exchange and mutual learning among civilizations.
Stanko Blagojevic, Serbia's assistant minister of culture, delivers a speech at the China-Serbia Youth Friendship Dialogue in Belgrade, Serbia, on Jan. 9, 2024. [Photo/CICG]
Addressing the audience, Serbia's Assistant Minister of Culture Stanko Blagojevic said the evening was a dedicated platform for the exchange of ideas and visions for the future.
"Tonight's event makes the role of youth in our future collaboration clear," Blagojevic said. "Since it is comprehensive and based on deep mutual trust, it has a long-term perspective. It is up to the youth to learn as much as possible about the diverse and profound richness of our two cultures."
Blagojevic said that young people would contribute not only to increasing closeness through mutual understanding, but also to finding new paths for collaboration, and defining values that would help overcome challenges ahead. He emphasized the importance of their contributions to stability, independence, overall progress, and development.
Tang Dasheng, cultural counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Serbia, delivers a speech at the China-Serbia Youth Friendship Dialogue in Belgrade, Serbia, on Jan. 9, 2024. [Photo/CICG]
Tang Dasheng, cultural counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Serbia, said that young people are the future and hope of China-Serbia relations, and cultural, economic and trade exchanges are an important part of cooperation between the two countries.
Tang said that the sharing of insights and personal experiences by young people will inject new blood into friendship between China and Serbia.
The event also featured keynote speeches from Bojan Lalic, director of the Institute for Belt and Road Studies in Belgrade, and Yang Fan, deputy chief economist of PowerChina. They discussed Serbia's role in the Belt and Road Initiative and highlighted the economic ties between China and Serbia.
Youth representatives from China and Serbia share their experiences and insights during the China-Serbia Youth Friendship Dialogue in Belgrade, Serbia, on Jan. 9, 2024. [Photo/CICG]