MINSK, 24 June (BelTA) - A declaration to support youth from Belarus and China is expected to be signed at the Belarus-China youth forum, currently held in Minsk, First Deputy Education Minister Aleksandr Bakhanovich told BelTA.
“Thanks to our leaders, the two countries have established an all-weather and all-round strategic partnership. The same kind of relationship has developed in education and university science. As you know, we regularly hold rector forums. We have signed a major program of flagship projects (over 80 of them) which we are actively developing. As part of the Belarus-China Year of Scientific Cooperation, we are now hosting a landmark event: the Belarus-China youth forum, bringing together the most talented and gifted students from 47 universities of both countries. Here, the students will discuss cooperation and the projects they are implementing. The forum will culminate in the signing of a declaration in support of the youth of Belarus and China and the policies pursued by our heads of state. This will not be just words: it will be a concrete action plan in education, science, social and political activities, sports, and culture, which is extremely important. This is why we fully support the aspirations of our youth. Indeed, youth friendship is the foundation of friendship between our countries and peoples, because tomorrow’s young people will further develop our relations and our countries,” Aleksandr Bakhanovich emphasized.
He noted that nearly all Belarusian universities are engaged in cooperation with China through a recently established university association that includes over 80 institutions from both countries. “Virtually all our universities are involved in this initiative and actively participate. Currently, around 34,000 international students are studying in Belarus, about 14,000 of whom are from China. They are satisfied with the high quality of our education and, most importantly, the conditions we provide. This is why they are eager to come study here,” the first deputy minister stated.
Belarusian First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Lukashevich expressed confidence that the forum is a continuation of the agreements reached at the presidential level. “Today we are witnessing the realization of the wonderful ideas voiced by our president at the recent rector forum. President Aleksandr Lukashenko of Belarus and President Xi Jinping of China support the youth movement and the movement of our countries towards each other across various dimensions. One can talk a lot about economic and political cooperation, but without youth, there is neither a present nor a future. Despite complex geopolitical conditions, both countries continue to invest in their young people. We see great potential in this and are ready to deepen cooperation with China and with all other countries that show interest. This is a two-way process that reflects the level of political dialogue between our nations and shows the sincerity and solid foundation of our friendship and cooperation,” he emphasized.
Belarusian State University is currently hosting the Belarus-China youth forum. Participating in it are over 200 students from 36 Belarusian and 11 Chinese universities.
Photos by Vitaly Pivovarchik
Follow us on:
