Symbolic placement of a ball signed by Vučić and Dodik marks the start of the national stadium construction in Surčin

(Patria) - The President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, attended the ceremony marking the start of construction work on the national football stadium. The national stadium must be completed by December 1, 2026, and it has been agreed that the Europa League final will be played there in 2028.

The start of the national stadium construction was symbolically marked by the placement of a ball.
The President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, symbolically marked the start of the national stadium construction in Surčin by placing a ball signed by legendary players, as well as with his own signature.

Together with the President of Serbia, the ball was also signed and placed as a cornerstone by the President of the Football Association of Serbia, Dragan Džajić, the Ambassador of China to Serbia, Li Ming, the Minister of Finance, Siniša Mali, the President of Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik, and Minister Zoran Gajić.

Vučić said he is very happy and proud to host the President of China, Xi Jinping, on May 7th and 8th, who, as he emphasized, is a great leader and a great friend of Serbia.

This will be President Xi's second visit to Serbia.

Vučić emphasized that China, along with the USA, is the most powerful force in the world.

"It is an honor to have the president of this extremely friendly country visit twice, a country that participates in numerous projects with us. Their state company is building Expo here, you see they have engaged all Serbian companies," the president emphasized.

He stressed that he hopes Serbia will succeed in attracting more capital from Chinese companies, as well as the latest Chinese technologies. Vučić expressed gratitude that China has always supported Serbia's territorial integrity, adding that Serbia will do the same when it comes to Taiwan.

"I am very grateful regarding our political cooperation. They have always supported Serbia's territorial integrity, as we do. As far as we are concerned, Taiwan is part of China, and there is no doubt about that. I am very happy to be able to host President Xi," Vučić concluded.