President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko has arrived on a working visit to the People's Republic of China. The head of state's aircraft landed at Beijing Airport, BELTA correspondent reports.
In the capital of China, the head of state will take part in the events of the II Forum on International Cooperation "Belt and Road". Alexander Lukashenko will present the proposals of the Belarusian side on the development of this global initiative, deepening cooperation in the Eurasian space with an emphasis on creating an equitable and transparent system of international trade.
It is also expected that on the sidelines of the summit, the President will hold a series of meetings with foreign leaders. A separate meeting with the Chairman of the PRC Xi Jinping is planned, during which the parties will discuss the implementation of the most significant joint projects, the development of interregional cooperation and the prospects for deepening Belarusian-Chinese interaction in the trade, economic, investment, humanitarian and other spheres.
On the eve of the head of state's visit, a representative Belarusian delegation, including heads of ministries and departments, arrived in Beijing. Sectoral meetings have been held, and more than ten agreements on the development of cooperation in various fields have already been signed.
In his Address to the Belarusian people and the National Assembly on April 19, Alexander Lukashenko noted the importance of strategic partnership with China. The interaction between the two countries has entered a new era – with a special level of trusting comprehensive strategic mutually beneficial partnership. And Belarus plays an important role in the implementation of China's international initiative. "Belarus is the strongest thread in the fabric of the Silk Road!" emphasized the head of state.
In September 2013, Chairman of the PRC Xi Jinping put forward the initiative to create the Silk Road Economic Belt, aimed at forming a new order of interregional cooperation. In conjunction with the initiative to build the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, the combined concept was named "Belt and Road". The five priorities of cooperation with countries along the Belt and Road are: policy coordination, infrastructure connectivity, unimpeded trade, financial integration, and people-to-people bonds.