Фото: пресс-служба Лукашенко
Alyaksandr Lukashenka held a meeting today on the development of cooperation with China. He stressed that the decision to interact with China is not subject to revision. According to him, Minsk and Beijing will cooperate for as long as Belarus remains an independent state.
“The decision to build strategic relations with China at the highest level is not subject to revision. On the contrary, we will invest resources, time, and attention in strengthening our cooperation. There are all the reserves for this. China is serious and long-term. We will cooperate with China always, for as long as our country exists as an independent and sovereign state. I am confident that we will always remain independent and sovereign as well,” he said, according to his press service.
He noted that China today is a key partner for all countries that seek development.
“In the context of tectonic geopolitical changes, Beijing is the most important point of support for Minsk. And not only for Minsk. The special status of Belarusian-Chinese cooperation is recognized and taken into account by everyone — from Russians and Americans to African countries.
For us, China is the most reliable ally on all issues,” he said.
At the same time, he noted that cooperation with China has its own specifics.
“China is in no hurry. This is traditional. We are used to this. Today we are learning a lot from the Chinese — an ancient nation. I advise those who are not familiar to study the history of the PRC,” he said.
Lukashenka noted that cooperation with China has already yielded results, from BelGee cars to new sports facilities and direct flights to China, which are expected to increase the share of tourism in Belarus’s economy.
“I am confident that we can do more. The levers for this are known: our own distribution network with warehouses and logistics. Direct supplies, including to retail chains and to the end consumer through e-commerce. Joint production facilities on their territory and on ours — specifically for the Chinese buyer. Finally, work with Chinese regions,” he said.
Lukashenka believes that the share of China in Belarusian exports should be increased.
“Ideally, to double-digit figures. That would be a qualitative change,” he said.