President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko and Chairman of the PRC Xi Jinping held a meeting in Astana on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, as reported by a BELTA correspondent.
First of all, Xi Jinping congratulated Alexander Lukashenko on Belarus obtaining new status within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation: at the summit in Astana, the republic was admitted to the SCO as a full member.
"Yesterday, your country celebrated Independence Day, and today your country has become a full member of the SCO. I warmly congratulate you," said the Chairman of the PRC.
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He recalled that last year the President of Belarus visited China twice. During the negotiations held, the parties outlined plans for the development of an all-weather and strategic partnership. Close contacts are maintained at all levels.
"We will certainly contribute to the further stable development of our relations," stated Xi Jinping. At the same time, the Chinese leader added, the parties intend to move in this direction with giant strides.
Alexander Lukashenko, in turn, expressed gratitude to the Chairman of the PRC and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of China for their colossal support of Belarus on the path to SCO membership.