Milos Vucevic (Front), Serbian deputy prime minister and minister of defense, addresses the track connection ceremony of the Belgrade-Budapest railway project's high-speed rail on the Novi Sad-Subotica section in Backa Topola, Serbia, on April 25, 2024. The Belgrade-Budapest railway project achieved a significant milestone as the tracks on the Novi Sad-Subotica section, built by Chinese contractors, were successfully connected on Thursday in Backa Topola. (Photo by Wang Wei/Xinhua)

BELGRADE, April 25-- The Belgrade-Budapest railway project achieved a significant milestone as the tracks on the Novi Sad-Subotica section, built by Chinese contractors, were successfully connected on Thursday in the Serbian city of Backa Topola.

Milos Vucevic, Serbian deputy prime minister and minister of defense, highlighted the significance of China-Serbia collaboration in completing the railway tracks, saying the project will strengthen the friendship between the two nations.

He praised the joint efforts of Serbia and its Chinese partners, involving over 2,000 individuals daily, as a testament to their shared commitment to progress.

"This project symbolizes a leap into the future. It represents Serbia's modernization while preserving our tradition, history and cultural identity," Vucevic said. "Success lies in the integration of traditional values with the modernization process."

Goran Vesic, Serbian minister of construction, transport and infrastructure, announced that the completion of the railway line was ahead of schedule, underscoring its importance in improving Serbia's transportation network.

Chinese Ambassador to Serbia Li Ming expressed gratitude to the Serbian government for its support in constructing the Belgrade-Budapest railway. He highlighted the economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.

Once operational, the high-speed railway will be equipped with modern signaling and safety systems, significantly reducing travel time between the two cities. ■

Milos Vucevic (5th R), Serbian deputy prime minister and minister of defense, Goran Vesic (4th R), Serbian minister of construction, transport and infrastructure, and Chinese Ambassador to Serbia Li Ming (5th L) attend the track connection ceremony of the Belgrade-Budapest railway project's high-speed rail on the Novi Sad-Subotica section in Backa Topola, Serbia, on April 25, 2024. The Belgrade-Budapest railway project achieved a significant milestone as the tracks on the Novi Sad-Subotica section, built by Chinese contractors, were successfully connected on Thursday in Backa Topola. (Photo by Wang Wei/Xinhua)

Construction workers of the Belgrade-Budapest railway project carry out the track connection work for the high-speed rail on the Novi Sad-Subotica section in Backa Topola, Serbia, on April 25, 2024. The Belgrade-Budapest railway project achieved a significant milestone as the tracks on the Novi Sad-Subotica section, built by Chinese contractors, were successfully connected on Thursday in Backa Topola. (Photo by Wang Wei/Xinhua)

Construction workers of the Belgrade-Budapest railway project carry out the track connection work for the high-speed rail on the Novi Sad-Subotica section in Backa Topola, Serbia, on April 25, 2024. The Belgrade-Budapest railway project achieved a significant milestone as the tracks on the Novi Sad-Subotica section, built by Chinese contractors, were successfully connected on Thursday in Backa Topola. (Photo by Wang Wei/Xinhua)

A train model is displayed at the track connection ceremony of the Belgrade-Budapest railway project's high-speed rail on the Novi Sad-Subotica section in Backa Topola, Serbia, on April 25, 2024. The Belgrade-Budapest railway project achieved a significant milestone as the tracks on the Novi Sad-Subotica section, built by Chinese contractors, were successfully connected on Thursday in Backa Topola.