Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 10 May (BelTA) – President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping expressed willingness to open a new era in the development of the Belarusian-Chinese comprehensive strategic partnership. The Chinese leader made the statement to this effect during the official talks with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in Minsk on 10 May, BelTA has learned.

The Chinese President emphasized Alexander Lukashenko’s personal contribution to the development of the Belarusian-Chinese friendship. "I really appreciate the close business ties between us and deep personal friendship. We believe that this visit is of great significance for the further development of the Chinese-Belarusian relations,” Xi Jinping said.

According to him, over the years, the international situation has undergone very deep and complex changes, but China and Belarus have always trusted each other, provided each other support and assistance. "I am ready to maintain close contacts and communication, and to discuss issues related to the development of the bilateral relations so that we could together open a new era in the Chinese-Belarusian relations of the comprehensive strategic partnership," said the Chinese leader.

In recent years, under the leadership of President Alexander Lukashenko, Belarus has achieved spectacular success in nation-building. Political stability is preserved, the economy is steadily developing, Xi Jinping noted.

In 2013 during Alexander Lukashenko’s visit to China, the parties agreed on the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership, Xi Jinping noted. "Multifaceted cooperation is deepening and expanding. In political terms, we have already started implementing the program to develop a comprehensive strategic partnership for 2014-2018. Trade and economic cooperation between our countries is going beyond trade in goods. The volume of direct investment is increasing. We have already signed various loan agreements totaling $5.5 billion,” Xi Jinping said.