China continues to expand its sci-tech ties with key international partners during a major global conference in Chengdu. On Tuesday, Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang met with high-ranking officials from Serbia, Uzbekistan, and Iran. Each meeting focused on deepening bilateral cooperation in science, technology, and innovation. These efforts align with China’s push for high-quality Belt and Road collaboration. Leaders reaffirmed commitments made during recent head-of-state summits.
Ding met Marina Ragus, Serbia’s Deputy Speaker of Parliament, to discuss shared development goals. Ding said China wants to work closely with Serbia to implement previous agreements. He emphasized turning sci-tech ties into a new engine for bilateral growth. Both sides agreed to respect mutual interests and expand cooperation. Ragus reaffirmed Serbia’s support for the one-China principle.
Ragus also stressed Serbia’s interest in building closer links with China across economic sectors. She said Belgrade hopes to increase collaboration in science, trade, and investment. Serbian leaders view strong sci-tech ties as vital for the future. They aim to create a shared development vision with Beijing. Officials called this relationship a growing model of mutual trust.
Later, Ding held talks with Uzbekistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ramatov Achilbay Jumaniyazovich. Both countries highlighted their long-standing political and economic relationship. Ding urged stronger alignment between national development strategies. He also called for expanded Belt and Road initiatives in transport and digital infrastructure. Ramatov supported deeper sci-tech ties as part of this plan.
Uzbekistan plans to enhance economic and people-to-people links with China. Officials see strategic cooperation as crucial to national growth. Ramatov highlighted shared goals in connectivity and innovation. Both sides praised the Belt and Road as a key framework. They hope ongoing dialogue will further strengthen their strategic partnership.
Finally, Ding spoke with Hossein Afshin, Iran’s Vice-President for Science and Technology. China wants to fully implement its long-term cooperation plan with Iran. Ding emphasized that sci-tech ties could deliver tangible benefits to both countries. He said Beijing remains committed to building bridges through innovation. Afshin agreed and expressed strong support for closer scientific exchange.
Afshin also said Iran values its relationship with China and wants to strengthen cultural and academic cooperation. He called for more projects that benefit everyday people. Both countries highlighted the importance of innovation-driven growth. They also reaffirmed joint efforts in the Belt and Road initiative. Sci-tech ties remain central to their evolving partnership.
