Belarus to expand trade and economic ties with China

MINSK - Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said here Wednesday that his country supports China's initiative of Silk Road Economic Belt and would play an active role in it while expanding economic and trade ties with China.

Lukashenko made the remarks while meeting here at the Independence Palace with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Belarus would like to expand the China-Belarus Industrial Park project and work with China on energy production and finance, said Lukashenko, extending his welcome to more Chinese investment.

Calling China a long-time sincere and reliable friend of Belarus, Lukashenko said the two countries have been supporting each other on key issues, sharing common ground in many international affairs.

The Belarusian president said he is looking forward to welcoming Chinese President Xi Jinping in May, and believes that the visit would become a new milestone for Belarus-China relations.

Belarus would take this year's celebration of the 70th anniversary of the victory of World War II as a great opportunity to consolidate with China the achievements of the Second World War and safeguard international justice, Lukashenko added.

Wang said China has always paid great attention to its relations with Belarus, regarding it strategically and in a long term perspective, while supporting Belarus in choosing its path for development according to its own national conditions.

China would link its Silk Road Economic Belt initiative to the national development strategies of Belarus to deepen existing beneficial ties and explore new space for cooperation.

He suggested that the China-Belarus Industrial Park should be the flagship for the cooperation by incorporating China's productive advantages and advanced equipment, while attracting more credible Chinese companies.

Moreover, Wang said the two countries could also complement each other in scientific and technological cooperation.

The Chinese foreign minister highlighted the upcoming events to mark the 70th anniversary of the victory of the World War II for upholding historical justice and safeguarding the norms of international relations based on the principles enshrined in the UN Charter.