Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Serbia on Friday to boost diplomatic ties with the Balkan nation. Xi was welcomed by Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic and a host of other Serbian officials at the Belgrade airport.

"China is ready ... to raise the level of bilateral ties," Xi said after landing at the Serbian capital. He added that the two countries will corporate in China's ambitious "One Belt, One Road" initiative that will help Serbia to deepen trade ties with neighboring countries and also open a new market.

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In response, Serbian President Nikolic said China was "undoubtedly offering a friendly hand" as Serbia tries to revive its economy, which was destroyed by years of crisis during the 1990s.

China and Serbia will sign around 20 agreements during Xi's visit. The Chinese President will also visit a Serbian steel plant that was acquired by a Chinese company.

China over the years has been seeking to improve its relationship with southeast European countries. It has already invested in several projects in these countries, mostly in energy and infrastructure.

After completing his Serbia tour, Xi will fly to Poland, where he is expected to sign several agreements on finance, aviation and science. Experts say that Poland is trying to boost its ties with China, as it wants access to the lucrative Chinese market.

Xi will wrap up the tour in Uzbekistan, where he will attend a Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit. He is likely to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the summit, where both Asian leaders will discuss the crucial NSG issue.

TagsSerbia, Xi Jinping, China and Serbia, Balkan Nation