Lukashenko and Xi Jinping confirmed the course of strengthening friendship and agreed to intensify relations
The leaders of Belarus and China, Alexander Lukashenko and Xi Jinping, confirmed the course towards strengthening friendship and cooperation between the two countries, reports a BELTA correspondent.
The visit of the head of the Belarusian state to China has concluded. The days of Alexander Lukashenko's stay in Beijing were filled with negotiations with representatives of Chinese business circles. The main event was the meeting with Xi Jinping, which took place for the first time at the home of the Chinese leader - at the Zhongnanhai residence. This is a sign of special favor and friendship between the heads of state.
"Literally next door is my office. For the first time, I am receiving you here," noted Xi Jinping during the meeting.
Alexander Lukashenko, for his part, emphasized that he greatly appreciates the friendliness of his Chinese colleague: "It is underscored by the fact that you invited me to your home. I am very grateful to you and, of course, I will be waiting for you in my home."
"I am also surprised and impressed to this day, although this is my 15th time in China and I have a 30-year cooperation period with the PRC, by your attitude towards guests. Believe me, this is a common opinion. We, along with presidents, especially from post-Soviet republics, often exchange these opinions. We have the same opinion. And we understand this and greatly appreciate it," added the President of Belarus.
The Chairman of the PRC warmly welcomed the President of Belarus, emphasizing their long-standing personal friendship.
"I want to congratulate you once again on your re-election as President of Belarus. This fully speaks to the support and trust of the people of Belarus in you. I am confident that under your leadership, your country will surely achieve even brighter new successes in state building," said Xi Jinping.
The communication between the leaders lasted two and a half hours. Summarizing the visit in a brief interview with journalists, Alexander Lukashenko said: "Everything went as well as possible. We met with a friend, talked. We agreed that we should intensify our relations. Very successful."
"It was a family meeting in a close circle. Not official, not working - family. Nevertheless, the Chinese are the Chinese - they organized this at the highest level. Well done. So we also met and talked with the real sector of the economy, with finance (representatives of these sectors. - Note from BELTA). And today with the Chairman (Xi Jinping. - Note from BELTA), Foreign Minister Wang Yi - our old friend, - the President said. - I believe that the visit was successful. And most importantly, for them (responsible from both sides. - Note from BELTA) the corridor is expanded - act. That is why I tell the ambassador: "You are responsible for relations with China. This is new opportunities for us."
On the unique format of the visit
The program of the Belarusian leader's visit to China initially announced a traditional friendly family meeting with the Chairman of the PRC.
First Deputy Prime Minister Nikolai Snapkow, who oversees Belarus's relations with China and was also part of the Belarusian delegation, emphasized the special format of Alexander Lukashenko's current visit to China in an interview with journalists.
"Negotiations are optional. The main thing is the trip, which in principle (in terms of communication format. - Note from BELTA) is not applied with any other leader in the world. This is a family friendly lunch. This is the main thing. The entire trip is focused on this," he said. "The world community should take an example from the friendship, mutual support, and joint development of Belarus and China, which this visit of the President demonstrates. This is not a working, not an official visit. This is a visit for a family friendly lunch. Probably, it would not hurt the leaders of world powers to gather and talk to each other about the common future of their peoples."
Nikolai Snapkow reminded that Belarus was one of the first to support the Chinese leader's initiative to build a Community of Common Destiny for Humanity. "This is not even an economic, but a moral path. And we are following it," emphasized the First Deputy Prime Minister.
On one of the main issues in cooperation with China
On the eve of the leaders' meeting in Beijing, Alexander Lukashenko held negotiations with representatives of Chinese business circles.
The head of state, speaking about the upcoming meeting with the Chairman of the PRC, named one of the main issues on the agenda of Belarusian-Chinese cooperation: "This is the machine engineering industry and the technological modernization of certain sectors of industry in Belarus. This is the idea of Chairman Xi Jinping, who, as we see, is focused on a scientific and technological, let’s say, revolution in machine engineering."
In general, the leaders of Belarus and China have a global agenda considering the situation. But the bilateral agenda is no less global and strategic. "Therefore, of course, our leader could not fail to address issues that are sensitive and important to us in a strategic sense," noted the First Deputy Prime Minister.
As early as 2023, Chairman Xi Jinping proposed to more actively promote the joint technological development of Belarus and China based on modern Chinese technologies and Belarusian competencies in industry. First of all, in machine engineering, tractor engineering, and transport machine engineering. "Since that moment, we have been actively developing this topic. A communiqué was signed during the visit of Comrade Li Qiang (referring to the official visit to Belarus of the Premier of the State Council of the PRC Li Qiang in August 2024. - Note from BELTA). Detailed joint maps have been signed, which define specific projects. And this topic is simply gaining momentum. We are completing the Year of Science and Technology. Next year, we will have a two-year period dedicated specifically to industrial cooperation. Therefore, today's meeting is a strategic signal for more extensive and in-depth cooperation with one of the leading global manufacturers of heavy machinery," said Nikolai Snapkow.
On the strengthening friendship and the role of China in the global order
Xi Jinping emphasized that the traditional friendship between Belarus and China is strengthening, unbreakable political mutual trust is being established, and cooperation is advancing in practically all areas. "We maintain close contacts and coordination in international affairs. Whether within the framework of the SCO, the UN. Like you, like our country, we never submit to any international hegemonism, or policies of bullying. Together we defend international justice and equality," said the Chinese leader.
He also invited the President of Belarus to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit and the parade in Beijing, which will take place at the end of August - beginning of September this year.
Alexander Lukashenko emphasized that many countries, including Belarus, are now looking towards Beijing.
"You have rightly pointed out the main feature of the current time - the unprecedented pressure from the West on us, primarily on the People's Republic of China. And today, the eyes of many countries, as well as Belarus, are turned to you - to Beijing," said the Belarusian leader.
According to him, just 5 years ago, it was said: "If China withstands, then the planet will be balanced and will exist."
"Today it is already said: "China has withstood, will withstand, and China will not allow the world order to be broken. Many peoples are convinced of this. The heads of state I have met have told me this," said Alexander Lukashenko.