Chinese President Xi Jinping held a presentation ceremony for the Friendship Medal for Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing Monday evening.

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

President Xi and President Vucic ascended to the presentation platform.

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

Xi delivered remarks at the ceremony.

President Vucic has long been committed to promoting China-Serbia friendship and advancing the bilateral relationship, said Xi, calling the Serbian president 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 Vucic has always given China the most resolute and unequivocal support, and won the respect of the Chinese people, said Xi, noting that 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. Xi said 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, said Xi, noting that 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.

Xi underscored that the Friendship Medal is the highest honorary medal of the People's Republic of China bestowed on foreign nationals. Xi said the medal is not just a recognition of how much President Vucic 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, said Xi, noting 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 Chinese 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, Xi placed the medal on Vucic. 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 Vucic delivered remarks in reply.

Thanking China for conferring on him the Friendship Medal, Vucic said he accepted the medal on behalf of Serbia and the Serbian people, which is one of the most important moments of his life.

The medal is not only a highest honor for him in person, but also a recognition of Serbia's pursuit of sovereignty, independence, and development, said Vucic.

He said that China has always respected smaller countries, stood with the Serbian people in difficult times, and helped with Serbia's development, and that his country will never forget China's support and assistance. He said he will continue to commit himself to Serbia-China friendship, and work with China to jointly build a Serbia-China community with a shared future.