Aliaksandr Lukashenka said he is pleased that higher powers guided him toward friendship with China. He made the remarks today during a meeting with Han Zheng, Vice President of the People’s Republic of China.
“It is good that you have come to visit us at this time. You have an opportunity to become more familiar with our country in practice. As for our relations, they have developed over recent decades. Much is said about China in Belarus. Those discussions and our political relations were followed by very rapid growth in trade and economic ties. We are very pleased that, at the right time, the Lord helped us orient ourselves toward the People’s Republic of China,” Lukashenka said, according to his press service.
“All-weather and comprehensive cooperation with the People’s Republic of China has led us to all-encompassing cooperation. There is no area in which we do not have an interest in the People’s Republic of China,” he added.
Lukashenka also assured his guest that Belarus had given China no reason for criticism and that relations with China are never discussed during talks with third parties.
“Forgive my lack of modesty, but I dare say that even if the People’s Republic of China and its leadership wanted to make any claims against us, they would not be able to. We faithfully honour all of our agreements. In any negotiations, whether with Russians, Europeans or Americans, China is always left outside the discussion. Our relations are not even subject to debate. You can count on us as your most reliable friends and supporters,” he said.
For his part, Han Zheng thanked Lukashenka for the warm welcome and conveyed greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping. The Chinese vice president recalled that the two countries’ leaders met twice last year and “outlined new ambitious plans for the further strengthening of bilateral relations.” He also said that Lukashenka’s signing of a directive on advancing the all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership fully reflects “a deep understanding of the development of our relations and demonstrates that our cooperation is of strategic importance.”
