Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Belarusian Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko have reaffirmed their nations' commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, vowing to remain steadfast as true friends and good partners. The announcement came during talks held on Thursday, highlighting the ongoing development of the China-Belarus all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership.
Deepening Bilateral Cooperation
During the meeting, Premier Li emphasized the longstanding friendship between China and Belarus. He noted that under the strategic guidance of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, the partnership between the two countries has been deepening significantly.
"China is ready to work closely with Belarus to maintain the sound and steady development of our bilateral relations at a high level," Li stated. He expressed China's willingness to fully utilize the intergovernmental cooperation committee, strengthen alignment of development strategies, and promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.
Expanding Areas of Collaboration
Li highlighted the potential for cooperation in trade and investment, the digital economy, green development, and people-to-people exchanges in education, culture, and tourism. He also reiterated China's readiness to strengthen communication and cooperation with Belarus within multilateral mechanisms such as the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
Prime Minister Golovchenko expressed Belarus's eagerness to be a good friend and partner to China. "Belarus is ready to work with China to implement the important consensus reached by our heads of state," he said. Both nations aim to expand practical cooperation in various fields under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative and continuously enrich their strategic partnership.
Launch of Science and Technology Initiatives
The leaders jointly announced the official launch of the China-Belarus Years of Science and Technology Innovation from 2024 to 2025. They also established the China-Belarus Basic Science Research Center and the Chinese Book Center at the National Library of Belarus.
Signing of Key Agreements
Following the talks, Li and Golovchenko signed a joint communique between their governments and witnessed the signing of several bilateral cooperation documents on Belt and Road cooperation, service trade and investment, green development, science and technology, culture, and local affairs.
Meeting with President Lukashenko
On the same day, Premier Li met with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. They noted that the two heads of state had met in Astana in July, making strategic arrangements to deepen bilateral relations. Both sides expressed readiness to enhance cooperation and further develop their all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership.
Future Prospects
In the joint communique issued Thursday, China and Belarus expressed their intention to tap into the huge potential of agricultural cooperation. They agreed to strengthen investment in this sector, expand access to the Chinese market for agricultural and food products, and encourage enterprises to participate in exhibitions and events.
Additionally, the two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation on the China-Europe Railway Express, establish an intergovernmental cooperation mechanism, promote infrastructure connectivity, and jointly ensure the safety of the China-Europe freight train transport corridor. These efforts signify a continued commitment to building a community with a shared future for mankind.
Reference(s):
China, Belarus vow to boost ties as true friends, good partners
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