BELGRADE, Feb. 22-- Hundreds of Serbians and Chinese gathered at a concert at Belgrade Fortress here in the capital on Saturday, offering their solidarity with medical professionals and citizens in Wuhan, the epicenter of the novel coronavirus, and China. A moment of silence was observed for victims of the epidemic. Addressing the audience, Serbian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Nebojsa Stefanovic said: "I want to express my admiration for China which continues to surprise us with its speed, strength, efficiency in the battle against this vicious epidemic... Today, we must be with China with all our heart. We want to show our solidarity and provide whatever we can for our Chinese friends." Stefanovic stressed that China is struggling to protect not only Chinese people, but the whole world. Commending the close ties between Serbia and China, Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy Aleksandar Antic said: "It is hard for all of us here as we watch what happens in China with lots of emotions and care. With a full heart, we give our strong support to our dear friends, and the great Chinese people." According to Antic, China has demonstrated immense strength in the fight against an invisible, potentially fatal virus. "I am sure that China will win this fight and emerge stronger, will recover and continue to develop its economy, and that our friendship will continue," Antic noted. Chinese Ambassador to Serbia Chen Bo briefed the audience on China's efforts and measures in battling the virus, saying that the number of the newly infected is decreasing while that of those recovered is on the rise. |