Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 10 May (BelTA) - China has been and remains a good, close and reliable friend, a promising partner of Belarus, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko told reporters after the talks with President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping in Minsk on 10 May, BelTA has learned.

Alexander Lukashenko stressed that the development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Belarus and China is based on the principles of mutual respect, support and multifaceted cooperation. In his view, high-level contacts and sincerity of intentions shape the long-term policy of the joint development of the two countries. "We have only one goal which is to improve the well-being of our people. We do not build our relations and our friendship against anyone or with an aim to harm anyone. Evidence of this is the Silk Road concept which will give a strong impetus to the development of all states involved, to their economies and consequently the well-being of people in those states,” said Alexander Lukashenko.

The President of Belarus noted that heads of leading companies, major Chinese provinces and the city of Beijing gathered in Minsk. Belarus has already successfully cooperates with some of them, and is actively exploring promising projects with the others. The Belarusian head of state noted that if Belarus actively cooperated with just one province of China, its economy would grow many times. "Today we see representatives of eight provinces here. The friendly Chinese people open the door wide open for us to China, to their economic expertise, investment and innovation. We appreciate it very much," the Belarusian leader said.

The President of Belarus expressed confidence that the regional business forum to be held during the visit of the Chinese President and the signing of new agreements on friendship and cooperation between the regions of Belarus and Chinese provinces will give a new impetus to the development of professional, trade, economic, public relations and interpersonal contacts.

"This visit is a historic event in the bilateral relations between our states, a symbol of the mutual desire to strengthen and deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership," said the Belarusian head of state.

"You came to us in the difficult period of political development in the region, and in our country. You are visiting Belarus in the run-up to the presidential election. We appreciate it very much. I want to assure you that our presidential elections will be held in such a way so that you will never be ashamed of cooperation with Belarus,” Alexander Lukashenko underlined.