China and Serbia agreed to deepen security and economic cooperation, with the leaders of the two nations hailing the “ironclad friendship” and strategic bonds between their countries during Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic’s first state visit to Beijing.

In a comprehensive joint statement issued on Monday, the two sides said they would deepen cooperation in counterterrorism, preventing colour revolutions and the tightening of security for major events and Belt and Road Initiative projects.

“Both sides will continue to conduct joint police patrols, joint training and drills for special forces and collectively enhance their operational capabilities in law enforcement and security,” the joint statement said, according to Chinese state news agency Xinhua.

During talks with Vucic at the Great Hall of the People on Monday, Chinese President Xi Jinping hailed the “ironclad friendship” between the two countries rooted in history and reality, adding that “both sides should continue to firmly support each other”, according to Xinhua.

“In the face of a complex and volatile international situation, China and Serbia should continue to strengthen coordination and cooperation in international affairs, practise genuine multilateralism, and make unremitting efforts to promote an equitable and orderly multipolar world,” he said.

The two sides signed over 20 deals covering cooperation in politics, trade, tech, education and cultural exchanges, and artificial intelligence (AI).