BEIJING, 29 September (BelTA) – After official negotiations in Beijing on 29 September Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko and China President Xi Jinping signed a Belarus-China declaration on establishing relations of trustful comprehensive strategic partnership and mutually beneficial cooperation, BelTA has learned.
The joint declaration reads: “Thanks to joint goal-oriented efforts contacts at the high level, mutual political trust and mutually beneficial cooperation between Belarus and China have reached an unprecedentedly high level. Relations of comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries have reached a new stage. Guided by principles of mutual respect, mutually beneficial cooperation and many centuries of friendship, the sides set out to continuously advance mutual political trust and cooperation in various areas, step up contacts between the nations and humanitarian exchange programs, enrich the comprehensive strategic partnership component of Belarusian-Chinese relations, promote friendship ‘in any weather', and create a community of common interests and a community of common fate.”
The document stresses that mutual political trust is the cornerstone of Belarusian-Chinese relations. The document declares respect and support for ways of development of the domestic and foreign policies of Belarus and China as well as their sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.
Belarus confirmed its support for the One China policy. China expressed support for Belarus' efforts to ensure social and political stability and economic development. China spoke against external interference with Belarus' domestic affairs under any pretense. China recognized Belarus' important role in bolstering regional security and stability.
China has established comprehensive strategic partnership relations with about 20 countries. Belarus has been part of the group up till now. Only a handful of other nations enjoy a special, higher level of relations with China. Experts believe those are the UK, Russia, and Pakistan. Now Belarusian-Chinese relations have acquired a brand new partnership status.
