Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Thursday said the country is willing to work with China in making new contributions to world peace when meeting with visiting Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister Li Shangfu in Minsk.

Lukashenko expressed his heartfelt appreciation to China for its support to his country, according to the official release. The Belarusian president told Li that the foreign policies of both countries are highly consistent, as the two sides are staunch defenders of international fairness and justice, as well as a multi-polar world.

There is a great prospect between the Belarusian and Chinese militaries, Lukashenko said, and he said he hopes the two sides can work together and play a constructive role in maintaining the security of the two countries and regional stability.

For his part, Li said China is willing to work with Belarus to promote and solidify win-win cooperation between the two countries so as to better benefit the two peoples. 

Bilateral military cooperation has achieved fruitful results in such areas as strategic communication and joint training leagues, Li added.

(Cover: Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko (L) meets Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister Li Shangfu (R) in Minsk, Belarus, August 17, 2023. /CFP)