Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic speaks during a welcoming ceremony of China's Sinopharm inactivated coronavirus vaccines in Belgrade, Serbia, January 16, 2021. Photo:Xinhua

Chinese President Xi Jinping said Thursday that China stands ready to work with Serbia to make their friendly relations even stronger, the Xinhua News Agency reported Thursday. 

In a telephone conversation with his Serbian counterpart, Aleksandar Vucic, Xi noted that as both China and Serbia are facing new opportunities and challenges at present, the two countries need to view and develop their relations from a strategic and long-term perspective. 

Xi said the two sides should accelerate and promote the high-quality construction of the Belt and Road initiative, adding that China is willing to provide help to Serbia in battling the coronavirus pandemic if needed.  

Xi called the "iron friendship" between China and Serbia precious. 

During the conversation, Vucic also sent warm congratulations for the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

Under the leadership of the CPC, China has made achievements that have drawn the attention of the world, boosting national prosperity and strength and becoming a key promoter of global peace and development, Vucic said.

Vucic said he believes the CPC would continue to lead Chinese people forward on the road of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

Global Times