Serbia is eagerly awaiting a two-day visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is arriving on Tuesday afternoon and will be greeted with the highest state honors.

During the visit, 3,400 police officers will take care of his security. A formal ceremonial welcome with the highest honors will follow on Wednesday morning.

During meetings of the two countries’ delegations, 30 bilateral agreements are expected to be signed. It has been announced that Xi will be accompanied by 400 political officials and business people.

As part of the preparations for the visit, Serbian President Vucic on Monday met with the Chinese ambassador in Belgrade, Li Ming.

“The honour bestowed on our country by (Xi's) visit is immeasurable for all of us, especially considering Serbia's plans for a strong acceleration of overall development as well as the global geopolitical context,” Vucic said on Instagram after the meeting.

Serbia is proud of its “steely friendship with China,” he added. “We are eagerly awaiting President Xi's visit, confident that our hospitality will demonstrate how much Serbia values its partnership with this great country.”

As part of his first European tour after the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chinese president has already visited France, with visits to Serbia and Hungary following until 10 May. This will be the second visit of the Chinese head of state to Serbia in the last eight years.