STORY: Serbian president hails opening of new Danubian Corridor sections
SHOOTING TIME: Feb. 22, 2025
DATELINE: Feb. 24, 2025
LENGTH: 00:01:36
LOCATION: POZAREVAC, Serbia
CATEGORY: SOCIETY

SHOTLIST:
1. various aerial shots of the Danubian Corridor
2. various of the opening ceremony
3. SOUNDBITE 1 (Serbian): ALEKSANDAR VUCIC, President of Serbia
4. various aerial shots of the Danubian Corridor
5. SOUNDBITE 2 (Serbian): ALEKSANDAR VUCIC, President of Serbia

STORYLINE:

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic celebrated the official opening of two sections of the Chinese-built Danubian Corridor near Pozarevac on Saturday, describing the expressway as "a lifeline" that will boost the local economy.

A ceremony, which marks the important progress of the 67.94-km corridor built along the Danubian River, was held on the newly constructed section 1 and attended by Vucic, other Serbian government officials, representatives from the Chinese embassy, and contractor Shandong Hi-Speed.

Vucic emphasized that the new sections, which connect Eastern Serbia to Corridor 10 highway, are set to attract investments and boost tourism in the region.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Serbian): ALEKSANDAR VUCIC, President of Serbia
"This road is a lifeline that brings investment to Pozarevac. There is no doubt that Pozarevac is becoming one of Serbia's top investment destinations. Towns such as Gradiste, Golubac, Donji Milanovac, Tekija, Kladovo, and even the entire Majdanpek municipality, including Rudna Glava, are rapidly emerging as improved tourist destinations."

Noting that Serbia has built 589 km of highways and expressways since 2014, Vucic expressed deep gratitude for China's contribution, underscoring China's enduring support and friendship with Serbia.

SOUNDBITE 2 (Serbian): ALEKSANDAR VUCIC, President of Serbia
"Over the past 10 years, we have opened 589 km of highways and expressways. In just 10-11 years, we have achieved more than what was done in the previous 70 years. I believe that deserves applause for our Chinese friends, our Serbian builders, and, if you will, for the people who dreamed big and set the bar high. These are tremendous successes."

Chinese Ambassador to Serbia Li Ming also remarked on the significance of the project, noting that the opening of the new sections is proof of Serbia's steady economic progress and the strong partnership between Serbia and China.

He expressed optimism that the expressway's completion would create new opportunities for regional development, and paving the way for regional development, paving the way for further collaborative projects.

Currently, 31.85 km of the total 67.94-km expressway is operational. This includes a 21-km stretch from the bridge over the Jezava River to the end of the Pozarevac bypass, and a 10.85-km section from the start of the Veliko Gradiste bypass to Ponikve. Construction is continuing on the remaining segments.

Once fully completed next year, the Danubian Corridor is expected to play a pivotal role in bolstering Serbia's national transportation infrastructure and boosting the country's economic growth, especially in Eastern Serbia.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Pozarevac, Serbia.
(XHTV)