Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic is seen at the opening ceremony of a Chinese-built highway section in southwestern Serbia's Lucani municipality, July 5, 2025. (Photo by Wang Wei/Xinhua)

LUCANI, Serbia, July 5 (Xinhua) -- Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Saturday inaugurated the final segment of the E-763 "Milos Veliki" highway between Pakovrace and Pozega, completing the entire 30.9-km Preljina-Pozega section.

The opening ceremony took place at the entrance of the Munjino Brdo tunnel in southwestern Serbia's Lucani municipality. It was attended by Chinese Ambassador to Serbia Li Ming, senior Serbian government officials, representatives of Chinese and Serbian infrastructure companies, and hundreds of local residents.

"This is one of the most important infrastructure projects in our country. Together with our Chinese friends, using their technology and our determination, we overcame all challenges," said Vucic at the event, highlighting the contribution of China Communications Construction Company (CCCC).

The newly opened 19.56-kilometer stretch includes Serbia's two longest road tunnels -- Laz (2,858 meters) and Munjino Brdo (2,861 meters) -- constructed to international standards using advanced engineering technologies. Vucic said the project reflects Serbia's transformation into a strong and modern state with safe, high-quality highways.

Traversing challenging mountainous terrain, the section required extensive tunneling and bridge-building work. Vucic emphasized its strategic role in linking central and western Serbia and eventually connecting the country to Montenegro and the Adriatic Sea.

He also announced plans to extend the highway with two new branches from Pozega, aimed at improving transport links across western Serbia.

The E-763 corridor is a key regional transport route that strengthens connectivity between Romania, Serbia, Montenegro, and Italy. With a total investment exceeding 520 million U.S. dollars, the Preljina-Pozega segment ranks among Serbia's largest infrastructure undertakings. The first part, between Preljina and Pakovrace, was opened in 2022.

Li described the E-763 highway as a crucial transport artery linking Belgrade with the Montenegrin port of Bar, as well as with western and northern parts of Serbia.

He noted that the newly completed section not only connects northern and western Serbia, but also strengthens people-to-people ties, improves traffic flow, boosts economic development, and enhances quality of life.

Li said the successful completion of the project reflects the expertise and dedication of all involved, and stands as a testament to the ironclad friendship between China and Serbia.

Passenger traffic on the new highway section will open at noon on Sunday. ■

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic attends the opening ceremony of a Chinese-built highway section in southwestern Serbia's Lucani municipality, July 5, 2025. (Photo by Wang Wei/Xinhua)

Local residents attend the opening ceremony of a Chinese-built highway section in southwestern Serbia's Lucani municipality, July 5, 2025. (Photo by Wang Wei/Xinhua)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic (L) and Chinese Ambassador to Serbia Li Ming attend the opening ceremony of a Chinese-built highway section in southwestern Serbia's Lucani municipality, July 5, 2025. (Photo by Wang Wei/Xinhua)