Walking through a newly built friendship park in Jinan City, located in the Chinese mainland's Shandong Province, visitors are greeted by cultural elements that mirror the atmosphere of Novi Sad, Serbia's second-largest city.
During his attendance at the opening ceremony of the park on Tuesday, Novi Sad's Mayor Zarko Micin expressed his astonishment at the project's rapid completion, which took only one month. Speaking on the sidelines of the 7th China-CEEC Local Leaders' Meeting and the 2026 Shandong International Friendship Cities Cooperation and Exchange Week, Micin emphasized that the park is a symbol of how local cooperation is bringing the two peoples closer together.
Expanding Sister-City Ties
The partnership between Jinan and Novi Sad began in 2024. Mayor Micin expressed his hope that the two cities will formally become sister cities this year, further deepening direct ties and encouraging people-to-people exchanges. He noted the visible increase in Chinese tourists visiting Novi Sad, attributing the bond to a shared tradition of hospitality.
Infrastructure and Technological Transformation
Beyond cultural ties, the mayor highlighted the tangible impact of Chinese-built infrastructure on Novi Sad. He described the Belgrade-Novi Sad high-speed railway—a project completed by Chinese companies—as a "historical achievement" that has slashed travel time between the two cities to approximately 35 minutes.
Current developments include bridges, tunnels, and transport corridors, such as a future pedestrian and bicycle bridge being constructed by the Shandong Hi-Speed Group. These improvements are expected to facilitate travel for visitors attending Expo 2027 in Belgrade, where over 130 countries, including China and the United States, are expected to participate.
Economic cooperation has also brought advanced technology to the region. Micin recalled that the first factory he inaugurated as mayor was opened by a Shanghai-based firm, featuring highly automated production systems. He believes China's development experience serves as an inspiration, demonstrating how unity and hard work can drive national transformation.
A Deepening Strategic Bond
Reflecting on the high-level relationship, Micin spoke warmly of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic's state visit to China and the awarding of the Friendship Medal of the People's Republic of China. He characterized the relationship not merely as a friendship, but as a "brother connection."
The statistical growth of this partnership is evident: Serbia's exports to China have increased 330-fold since 2012. While Serbia previously had no Chinese factories, there are now 37 across the country, with Novi Sad emerging as a primary hub for Chinese investment. Looking forward, Mayor Micin aims for even stronger relations, anticipating further investment and tourism to benefit the residents of both nations.
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Novi Sad mayor: Local cooperation is bringing China and Serbia closer
cgtn.com
