[Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Serbian Ambassador to China Maja Stefanovic presented national decorations on Tuesday to three Chinese nationals in recognition of their long-standing contributions to the development of Serbia–China relations.
Speaking at a ceremony in Beijing, Stefanovic said the enduring friendship between the two countries has been built not only on government-to-government cooperation, but also on decades of dedication by individuals who have helped deepen mutual understanding and expand practical cooperation.
"Personal commitment, pioneering spirit and sustained dedication play a vital role in nurturing bilateral relations and injecting momentum into their future development," she said.
At the ceremony, Stefanovic conferred the Order of the Serbian Flag awarded by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic to Chen Bo, president of the China Institute of International Studies, and the Gold Medal for Merit to Yao Jie and Peng Yuchao, both of whom are committed to Serbian language studies at Beijing Foreign Studies University.
Stefanovic described Chen as one of the most distinguished experts on Serbia and the broader Balkan region, noting that she has devoted nearly three decades of her diplomatic career to promoting bilateral relations. Through her professionalism, insight and dedication, Chen helped elevate ties to their current highest level — the China–Serbia community with a shared future in the new era, she said.
Turning to cultural cooperation, Stefanovic highlighted the importance of language and education in strengthening people-to-people ties.
The two professors were awarded gold medals for their decades-long commitment to teaching the Serbian language and preserving Serbian culture in China, she added.
