Exclusive with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko

Editor's Note: China and Belarus share a long-standing partnership that has grown steadily stronger within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. With Belarus becoming the SCO's 10th member in 2024, their cooperation now enters a new stage of strategic importance and shared responsibility for regional stability. In this edition of Leaders Talk, CMG's Zou Yun traveled to Minsk for an exclusive interview with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko ahead of the 2025 SCO Tianjin Summit. He describes his 16th visit to China not as "walking toward China," but as "running toward China," underlining the closeness of the relationship. He explains that Belarus' accession to the SCO was a serious and well-considered decision, bringing both honor and encouragement to the nation. Lukashenko emphasizes the SCO's growing role in world politics, stressing that unity is the best way to address global challenges. Looking back on years of friendship, he praises President Xi Jinping as an exceptional statesman respected worldwide. In this wide-ranging conversation, he speaks candidly about friendship, unity, and security, while sharing his vision for even deeper ties with China.