MINSK, 22 August (BelTA) – China is ready to always be a true friend and reliable partner for Belarus, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China Li Qiang said during official negotiations with Belarusian Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko in Minsk on 22 August, BelTA has learned.
"The traditional Belarusian-Chinese friendship goes way back. More than 70 years ago, our peoples fought side by side during the Second World War against fascism. The glorious, but difficult past serves as a solid foundation for mutual support and assistance between our two countries. Nowadays, thanks to the common efforts of our countries, the Belarusian-Chinese relations have been developing steadily and have reached the level of comprehensive strategic partnership. China has been the second largest trade partner of Belarus for many years in a row. Mutual trade is growing, setting new records," Li Qiang said.
Belarus and China have achieved great results in the joint implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative. Some important projects are underway, including the China-Belarus Industrial Park Great Stone.
"This brings significant benefits to the two peoples and strengthens the Chinese-Belarusian friendship. As a well-known Belarusian proverb says, true friendship cannot be cut with an axe. The Chinese often say that a true friend cannot be bought even with gold. We are ready to fully implement the important agreements and always be true friends and reliable partners for each other. We are ready to ensure progressive and sustainable development of bilateral relations at a high level and promote continuous deepening of cooperation in all fields," Li Qiang emphasized.