Beijing firmly supports the development path of Belarus and opposes the interference of external forces in the internal affairs of the country, Chinese President Xi Jinping said as he met with Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko in Beijing on 4 December, China Central Television reports.
The Chinese leader recalled Aleksandr Lukashenko's successful state visit to China from 28 February to 2 March 2023. “We have reached an important consensus in promoting high-level bilateral relations. Over the past year, political trust between our two countries has strengthened and international cooperation has become closer,” Xi Jinping said.
In his words, Beijing has always viewed China-Belarus relations as strategic and long-term. China firmly supports the development path of Belarus, which corresponds to its national identity, and opposes the interference of external forces in the country's politics.
Beijing is willing to further strengthen strategic cooperation with Minsk, provide support, promote practical cooperation, and continue to deepen China-Belarus relations.
According to Xi Jinping, China and Belarus are important forces involved in the transformation and construction of the global governance system. “China is ready to work with Belarus to strengthen coordination and cooperation within multilateral mechanisms such as the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization,” the Chinese leader said.
China is ready to implement initiatives together with Belarus for the benefit of common development, security, for the sake of strengthening civilizational values. Xi Jinping also pointed out the need to optimize cross-border transport communication, strengthen trade, economic and humanitarian cooperation.
In addition, the Chinese leader invited his Belarusian counterpart to expand cooperation between the two countries in culture, education, healthcare, sports and tourism. He also pointed out the importance of promoting youth exchanges and strengthening mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples.