29 September, Minsk /BELTA/. The relations between Belarus and China are a good example of building an equal, respectful and mutually beneficial dialogue. This was stated by the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko on 26 September at a meeting with the First Deputy Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, Member of the Standing Committee of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee Zhang Gaoli, BELTA was informed by the press service of the Belarusian leader.
"Your country has always been our reliable partner. The development of relations with China has been and remains a strategic priority of Belarus's foreign policy," noted Alexander Lukashenko.
According to the President, the dynamics of contacts and the level of agreements reached recently indicate that the ties between Belarus and China are constantly developing and strengthening.
Alexander Lukashenko called the visit of the Chinese delegation to Minsk extremely timely and emphasized the unique opportunities for further prospects of cooperation.
The head of state noted that if previously there were some concerns about the intensification of bilateral cooperation, as the interests of different parties were affected, now these concerns have receded into the background. "And we, the two states, Belarus and China, need to move closer at a faster pace," the President is convinced. He explained: "Our interest lies in the fact that we will have a very powerful support from such a giant state as China, without which no problem in the world is solved today."
"China's support is a factor of our state's independence," the President said, addressing the Chinese guest. "And considering that we have the same support from the Russian Federation, Belarus, well, excuse me, becomes practically invulnerable."
"As for your interest, I have already told Xi Jinping that the further development of the PRC and its positioning in the world as a superpower is impossible without cooperation with Europe," stated Alexander Lukashenko. He noted that Belarus is ready to fully promote the intensification of contacts, including trade, between China and Europe. "Belarus is ready to help strengthen China's influence in Europe," assured the head of the Belarusian state.
During the meeting, the main attention was paid to increasing Belarusian-Chinese trade and economic cooperation. In this regard, Alexander Lukashenko thanked the Chinese side for providing investments and serious support to Belarus in financing joint projects, including theThe most important is the China-Belarus Industrial Park. At the same time, the President supported the Chinese guest's proposal to grant the Park the status of an interstate project, as well as to attract not only the largest and most well-known companies from Belarus and China, but also from Europe and other continents of the world to the Park. "Our task is to jointly create high-tech industries that will be in demand in the European space," noted Alexander Lukashenko. He expressed confidence that serious steps will be taken to create the Park this year.
The Head of State emphasized that Belarus is proud of the high level of relations that have developed with China. "Belarus feels the shoulder and support of China," noted Alexander Lukashenko.
He assured that Belarus's position regarding China will remain unchanged. "The development of trade, economic and investment cooperation is the most important area of our joint work," said the President. "By implementing the China-Belarus Industrial Park project, we must demonstrate the high level of our cooperation, show the whole world what we are capable of."
The Head of State emphasized the importance of the fact that a number of economic projects have already been implemented in Belarus with the participation of Chinese companies: modernization of the energy system and the cement industry, as well as electrification of railways. At the same time, work in the energy, road, woodworking, and pulp and paper industries continues. Other Belarusian-Chinese investment projects are also being implemented, among which the President highlighted the production of passenger cars with the participation of the Chinese company "Geely".
"In order to successfully implement the mentioned projects, the Belarusian side has provided the most favorable and preferential conditions for doing business in the European space," emphasized Alexander Lukashenko. "In this regard, we are counting on significant investment activity from the Chinese side."
"I am confident that by the upcoming visit of PRC Chairman Xi Jinping to the Republic of Belarus, which we expect in the near future, the parties will fill the format of Belarusian-Chinese relations with concrete content. After all, we are talking about a comprehensive strategic partnership," emphasized the Head of State.