Opinions & Interviews

Lukashenko: Belarus-China military cooperation is not directed against third countries

MINSK, 17 August (BelTA) – Military cooperation between Belarus and China is not directed against third countries, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he met with Chinese State Councilor, member of the CPC Central Military Commission and Minister of National Defense Colonel General Li Shangfu in Minsk on 17 August, BelTA has learned.

"Unfortunately, the world is absolutely unstable today, through no fault of ours. Very powerful turbulent developments are happening in the world. We must be strong. Strength is always respected. In our policy we rely on a strong economy and strong diplomacy. I am very grateful to you for your support in military-technical and military cooperation. In this regard, we rely on our friends, first of all, the Russian Federation and China," Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

He noted that this visit is the first one for Li Shanfu to Belarus. "I hope it won't be the last. It is very important for Belarus," the president said.

"All our cooperation, which is very significant (we did not hide it from anyone), is by no means directed against third countries. We don't need that. We need to protect our states and our peoples," the Belarusian leader stressed.

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