Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 7 October (BelTA) – China sees Belarus as an equal partner. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko made the statement as he addressed outgoing and newly elected members of the country’s parliament on 7 October, BelTA has learned.

The head of state noted it is important that Belarus’ contacts on the whole and contacts of Belarusian MPs are getting stronger. In particular, he referred to contacts with Southeast Asia and Latin America countries. The countries support each other and their views coincide on many international matters.

“The Great China sees us as an equal partner. A Belarusian-Chinese declaration on establishing relations of trustful comprehensive strategic partnership and mutually beneficial cooperation was adopted a short while ago. Four countries are in China’s field of vision: the UK, Pakistan, Russia, and now Belarus,” stated Alexander Lukashenko.

The head of state also drew attention to the fact that Belarus had been granted the observer status in such an influential international body as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization primarily thanks to China’s and Russia’s agreement. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states produce nearly half of the world’s GDP.

“The most powerful and promising countries belong to this organization and they are our friends,” said the head of state.