The first forum of China-Serbia Culture Communication is held in Belgrade on April 29, 2024. Photo: Xinhua

 
The first forum of China-Serbia Culture Communication was held in Belgrade on Monday local time, where some 50 scholars, government and industry representatives discussed the history of bilateral cultural exchanges, the dialogue between civilizations as well as new opportunities under the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). 

Culture exchange is an integral part of China-Serbia relations and has played a positive role in facilitating mutual understanding and the friendship between the two peoples, Tang Dasheng, cultural counselor from the Chinese Embassy in Serbia, said when he addressed the forum and expected the event could help scholars, think tanks and universities in the two countries further push forward bilateral cultural exchanges, according to a press release that the forum organizer sent to the Global Times on Tuesday. 

Bojan Lalic, director of the Institute for Belt and Road in Belgrade, shared his insights on Serbia's experience in participating in the BRI, and noted the two countries could strengthen cooperation on digital economy and green development under the framework. 

Li Jiashan, an expert on culture development at Beijing International Studies University, pinpointed areas of culture trade which have great potential, including publishing, stage performance and software services. 

The forum was co-hosted by the Institute for Belt and Road and China's Capital Normal University. 

Jelena Gavric, a director, interpreter and blogger, delivered a video message to the forum. Gavric received her bachelor and master's degrees at Chinese universities and has always upload Vlogs on Chinese platform Bilibili to share her experience in both countries and trans-cultural observation. 

Gavric developed an interest in China from Chinese TV dramas in her teenage years, self-studied Chinese language and finally became a culture ambassador. As a member of a younger generation, she is proud of contributing to bilateral cultural exchanges with her educational background, skills and interest, Gavric told the Global Times. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit Serbia, the first in eight years, during his three-nation European trip from May 5 to May 10. Xi will hold talks with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic to exchange views on bilateral relations and international and regional hotspot issues of mutual interest and discuss an upgrade of the China-Serbia relationship while charting a future course for bilateral relations, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry. 

Katarina Zakic,head of Regional Centre for Belt and Road at the Institute of International Politics and Economics, told the Global Times that the visit is a significant of the strong political relations between China and Serbia. 

Hailing the "steel (or ironclad) friendship" that China and Serbia share, Zakic said that in addition to strong political ties, the two countries continue to build mutually beneficial economic, cultural, educational, scientific, and people-to-people relationships. Bilateral cooperation is extensive and covers a wide range of fields, the expert said.