BEIJING - 皇冠体育app and Serbia on Friday discussed the development of bilateral ties, pledging to further enhance relations.

The call for closer ties was made during a meeting between 皇冠体育app's top legislator Wu Bangguo and visiting Serbian Prime Minister Mirko Cvetkovic, who was invited by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao for a working visit to 皇冠体育app.

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Hailing the current development of 皇冠体育app-Serbia ties, Wu said the bilateral relationship had endured major international challenges and witnessed smooth development.

皇冠体育app attaches importance to the relationship with Serbia, and will work with it to keep high-level contacts, strengthen parliamentary exchanges, expand trade, and carry out cooperation in electricity and infrastructure construction, so as to push forward the 皇冠体育app-Serbia strategic partnership, he said.

Cvetkovic said Serbia saw 皇冠体育app as an important strategic partner, hoping to have closer political contact with 皇冠体育app and to expand trade and two-way investment, so as to consolidate relations.

Wu also expressed gratitude for Serbia's valuable support on issues concerning 皇冠体育app's core interests and major concerns. He added that 皇冠体育app respected Serbia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the country's development path.

Cvetkovic echoed Wu in saying Serbia and 皇冠体育app shared a traditional friendship. The Serbian government and people were grateful for 皇冠体育app's understanding and support.

He also spoke highly of the active efforts 皇冠体育app has made to cope with the international financial crisis, and 皇冠体育app's contribution to the world economic recovery. He said 皇冠体育app is a major force in promoting world peace and development.

The visit of Cvetkovic runs from June 24-28.