"Today, the support of China saves lives," said Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic, describing how Chinese assistance is helping to ease the toll that COVID-19 is taking on Serbia's population and its economy.
In an exclusive interview with CGTN Europe in Belgrade, Brnabic addressed the impact of the novel coronavirus on the Balkan nation and the expected dramatic changes in Serbia's financial situation.
"When we identified the first case of coronavirus in Serbia, the Embassy of the People's Republic of China was the first to approach us and offer help," said the Serbian prime minister.
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People take photos of the Palace Albania building lit in the colours of the Chinese flag in central Belgrade following the arrival of the first shipment of protective equipment and medical instruments from China. /Vladimir Zivojinovic/AFP
Brnabic explained that the "steel partnership between Serbia and China" and the fact that Beijing "was the first country to actually fight and win in the battle against the coronavirus," meant that China would be their "natural ally" when it came to asking for help.
"The support of China saved jobs in Serbia. Today, the support of China saves lives in Serbia," stressed the 44-year-old politician.
She added that once the pandemic was put to bed, she would try to have a monument erected to Sino-Serbian cooperation and the two nations' "steel friendship."
"That's how much the partnership with the People's Republic of China means to us," said Brnabic.
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Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic told CGTN that she plans for a monument to be erected to honor Sino-Serbian friendship. /Fabrizio Bensch/Reuters
However, the prime minister was less positive about the state of Serbia's economy, which is expected to be hit hard by COVID-19.
"Without a shred of doubt, [the impact] is going to be huge," said Brnabic. "We have already been enormously focused on the [financial] package to support our economy and support our businesses.
"I hope that with our synergy and partnerships and the support from the Chinese companies, which are some of the key partners in terms of infrastructure development, we will be able to recover our economy very efficiently."
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In the meantime, the main focus for Serbia will be to save as many lives as possible, after Belgrade reported that there had been 457 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and seven deaths.
"We are currently in our 22nd day of the epidemic," said Brnabic, stating that she feared "the scenarios that we saw in some of the European countries where the health system has broken down."
"We are facing what will probably be two very difficult weeks, probably the two key weeks, to see if we can contain the virus and win."
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