Xi Jinping says China-Belarus relations to develop healthily, with great strides

Chinese President Xi Jinping said that he believes China-Belarus relations will continue to develop healthily and with great strides under the joint efforts of both countries while meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in Astana, Kazakhstan on Thursday.

Noting Lukashenko's two visits to China in 2023, Xi said he and Lukashenko jointly drew up a new blueprint for developing a China-Belarus all-weather and comprehensive strategic partnership.

Since the beginning of this year, both China and Belarus have maintained close exchanges at all levels, and the consensus reached between the two countries has been effectively implemented, Xi said, adding that through joint efforts, bilateral relations will continue to develop healthily and with great strides.

Xi also congratulated Belarus on becoming a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) at the 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO.

Lukashenko thanked China for supporting Belarus' formal accession to the SCO and congratulated China on taking over the rotating presidency of the SCO.

Noting the warm welcome that the Chinese People's Liberation Army received in Belarus on Wednesday, Lukashenko said it was another demonstration of the friendship between the two countries.

Lukashenko added that Belarus supports the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi, and also supports the six-point consensus on the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis jointly proposed by China and Brazil.

The Belarusian president said he looks forward to closer bilateral and multilateral cooperation between both countries.

(With input from Xinhua)