GOLUBAC, Serbia, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Monday inspected construction of the Chinese-built Danube Corridor fast road in eastern Serbia, saying the project is progressing well and is scheduled for completion in 2026.

Vucic said the road would significantly improve connectivity along the Danube and support economic development in eastern Serbia, expressing satisfaction with the quality of construction and confidence in the Chinese builders.

Calling the project "a major boost" for the region, Vucic said the new road would help attract investment, stimulate tourism, and help increase the appeal of the less developed region. "It is a strong invitation for people to come back. A good number of people are already returning," he noted.

"I want to thank our Chinese friends for their sincere friendship, because with their great support, we are building and improving Serbia," he said.

During the site visit to Golubac, Vucic spoke with Chinese and Serbian workers on the project, highlighting cooperation between the two sides.

Alongside the president are Chinese Ambassador to Serbia Li Ming, Minister of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure Aleksandra Sofronijevic, Aleksandar Antic, director of state-run company Koridori Srbije, Zoran Drobnjak, acting director of Roads of Serbia, as well as local officials and municipal leaders.

Ambassador Li said the project has a "far-reaching" effect for Serbia's development. It is "the crystallization of the wisdom of the people and enterprises of both countries," he said.

The 68-km Danube Corridor links the Branicevo district in eastern Serbia with the capital of Belgrade and the international E75 highway. Serbia opened 31.85 km of the route to traffic in February 2025, with work continuing on the remaining sections. ■