June 11, Minsk /BELTA/. A telephone conversation took place between the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko and the Chairman of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping, BELTA reports.

The leaders of the countries discussed bilateral cooperation, joint projects, the international agenda, and issues of interaction in the context of the pandemic.

Alexander Lukashenko thanked Xi Jinping for the assistance in overcoming the virus pandemic, including for the protective equipment delivered to Belarus and especially for the supply of equipment for the production of protective gear and medical masks.

Separately, the heads of state noted the cooperation between the ministries of health of the two countries. The President spoke in detail about the Belarusian approach and practices in combating the pandemic.

Another topic of conversation was the planned visit of the Chairman of the PRC to Belarus. Alexander Lukashenko emphasized that the country is eagerly awaiting this visit, which will further strengthen the iron brotherhood and all-weather friendship between Belarus and China.

The conversation also touched upon personnel matters. As is known, the Ambassador to the PRC, Nikolai Snopkov, will be recalled from this post due to his appointment as First Deputy Prime Minister. Alexander Lukashenko promised that Belarus would select a successor of no lesser caliber.

Speaking generally about the situation in Belarus, the President noted that even in the current challenging epidemiological conditions, the economy is functioning and has not been halted. All enterprises are operating, especially since Belarus does not have the same resources as China. The President specifically emphasized that the main issue today is the export of Belarusian products.

Alexander Lukashenko and Xi Jinping also discussed cooperation within the framework of the "Great Stone" industrial park. The Belarusian leader noted with satisfaction that the park already has 60 residents from 15 countries.

In turn, the Chairman of the PRC noted that he highly values the order in Belarus and the approach to combating the pandemic. China supports this and is ready to share its experience. In particular, they are ready to organize a video conference "Belarus - China" for an exchange of experience. China has such practices with various countries, but the Chinese side is ready to do this with Belarus separately, as well as to share all necessary information.

Xi Jinping also thanked for the humanitarian aid that Belarus previously provided to China in connection with the epidemic. He stressed that the Chinese people remember this and will always remember it.

The Chairman of the People's Republic of China expressed his special gratitude for the conditions under which Chinese citizens are working in Belarus. He spoke about the situation in the PRC. Currently, there is one patient with coronavirus in hospital, and if cases occur, they are imported.

Xi Jinping also emphasized that he has known Alexander Lukashenko for a long time and is very well informed about the situation in Belarus, including the upcoming presidential elections. He asked to convey words of support to the Belarusian people. "We support you, we are confident you will win, and we support your path of development," said the Chairman of the PRC.

In addition, the Chinese leader spoke about the decisions of the 13th National People's Congress, noting that together the countries face serious challenges, but this is also an opportunity.

Speaking about economic cooperation, Xi Jinping stressed that he would support Belarusian exports to China, especially food products – dairy products, beef, and poultry.

Having learned that the main problem lies in exports, the Chairman of the PRC proposed that Belarus submit its application to the relevant PRC authorities and promised that it would be considered as soon as possible. The First Deputy Prime Minister, who is currently in China, will be responsible for this. China is also ready to provide financial assistance.

Regarding a visit to Belarus, Xi Jinping noted that if it were not for the pandemic, it would have taken place long ago. He emphasized that he highly values face-to-face meetings, which are more important and effective than phone calls. The Chairman of the PRC looks forward to the meeting and is confident that it will take place.

On his own behalf and on behalf of his wife, Xi Jinping conveyed his warmest wishes to the Belarusian people, as well as to the President's family, and especially to the youngest son, who is known to be very popular in China.

The conversation lasted about 50 minutes.