Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 23 January (BelTA) – Belarus and China are efficiently implementing large-scale investment projects, Chairman of the Belarus-China Friendship Society Anatoly Tozik said at the meeting dedicated to the 23^rd anniversary of the establishment of Belarus-China diplomatic relations. The meeting was arranged at the House of Friendship on 22 January, BelTA has learned.

Anatoly Tozik noted that the bilateral cooperation between Belarus and China is pretty vibrant. He emphasized the importance of exchanging visits on the high and highest levels. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko regularly visits the People’s Republic of China and these visits result in important cooperation agreements.

Anatoly Tozik believes that the year 2014 was pretty successful for the bilateral cooperation. The two countries came up with a new cooperation format: an intergovernmental cooperation committee on the level of vice premiers was set up. The third Confucius Institute was opened in Belarus to facilitate collaboration in science and technology. China will be the Guest of Honor at the Minsk International Book Fair this year.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to Belarus Cui Qiming emphasized: “Since the two countries established diplomatic ties 23 years ago, the bilateral relations have been maintaining momentum all the way. The past year was no exception. The two countries ramped up cooperation in politics, trade, economy, humanitarian field, and the defense sector. Many important bilateral projects were launched, including the construction of the Chinese-Belarusian Industrial Park”.

The Chinese Ambassador believes that the year 2015 will be another important milestone in the bilateral cooperation. Belarus and China will celebrate the 70^th anniversary of the Great Victory over fascism together. They will also start developing a cooperation program for a new period.

“In the new year we will keep promoting the establishment of the Silk Road economic belt and the diplomacy concept based on friendship, sincerity, mutual benefits and tolerance,” the Chinese Ambassador said.

Young artists from Belarus and China performed at the concert that took place during the meeting. Taking part in the event were Belarusian scientists studying China, members of the Chinese Embassy in Belarus, activists of the Belarus-China Friendship Society, MPs, students and representatives of the Confucius Institutes from the Minsk State Linguistic University and the Belarusian State University.