21 May 2025, 18:05

Snopkov: Belarus-China relations are picking up steam

MINSK, 21 May (BelTA) - Despite global turbulence and challenges, Belarus-China relations are gaining momentum, Belarusian First Deputy Prime Minister Nikolai Snopkov said during a meeting with Vice Premier of the State Council of China Liu Guozhong on 21 May, BelTA has learned.

"We have provided and continue to provide international support to develop our bilateral relations. Together, we promote the fundamental principles of international law and firmly oppose any attempts to interpret them arbitrarily," Nikolai Snopkov stated.

He emphasized that during the 78th session of the World Health Assembly, Belarus signed a joint letter addressed to the WHO Secretary-General, opposing Taiwan's participation in the assembly’s events. "We stood united against adding additional agenda items regarding Taiwan’s involvement in the assembly. We will continue to maintain this consistent position. Together with you, we understand the true reasons and support efforts to counter attempts to place responsibility for COVID-19 on China," he stated. "Strong and independent countries often face aggression. Despite the illegitimate Western sanctions against our country, we achieve record high levels of bilateral trade each year. Over the past five years, it has doubled. In 2024, it reached a record high of $8.6 billion."

According to Nikolai Snopkov, Belarus is actively participating in the Belt and Road Initiative. "Our joint project, the China-Belarus Industrial Park Great Stone, is one of the largest projects within this global initiative," he said. "The joint achievements of our countries align with established plans at the level of an all-weather and all-round strategic forecast. In August last year, Chinese Premier Li Qiang paid an official visit to Belarus, during which the governments of both countries outlined key goals for the near future. Among them are to develop productive forces of a new quality, create new industries together and modernize existing ones."

Nowadays, it can be confidently stated that despite the challenging international situation, our countries have demonstrated to the world an example of practical cooperation based on mutual respect, trust, and friendship, the first deputy prime minister emphasized. "This is an excellent example of cooperation between nations aimed at joint development in accordance with the Shanghai spirit," he concluded.

In turn, Liu Guozhong noted that Belarus and China indeed provide strong support to each other. "Belarus-China relations are rightfully considered a model of interstate relations characterized by mutual respect, trust, and mutually beneficial cooperation. Thanks to Chinese President Xi Jinping and Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko, our countries have made significant progress in bilateral relations. Our multifaceted cooperation is gaining momentum. The strong mutual support for issues of key interest and mutual concern for our countries remains constant in Belarus-China relations," he emphasized.

The vice premier stated that China remains a sincere friend and reliable partner for Belarus and will continue to deepen multifaceted cooperation between the two countries.
Photos by Nikolai Petrov