/ / News
12.07.2012

Myasnikovich: Cooperation with China is among Belarus’ foreign policy priorities

MINSK, 12 July (BelTA) – Belarus views China as its strategic partner, Prime Minister of Belarus Mikhail Myasnikovich said as he met with Vice-Chairman of the Central Military Commission of China Xu Caihou on 12 July, BelTA has learnt.

“Cooperation with China is a major priority of Belarus’ foreign policy and we at the government do our utmost to help implement the projects of our multifaceted cooperation. Great China is a strategic partner of Belarus. This is our principled position that is formalized in landmark documents and confirmed by our actions,” Mikhail Myasnikovich said.

The government of Belarus welcomes China’s successes in socioeconomic and political development. China plays an increasing role in the global politics. The peoples of the two countries appreciate friendship and value the bilateral relations that are based on mutual interests and respect.

The two countries have similar positions on the major issues of the international agenda, the Prime Minister said. The two states are in favor of a multi-polar world and non-interference in domestic affairs of sovereign states and hold similar positions on the UN reformation. Belarus’ government believes that the legal framework of the bilateral cooperation is adequate and covers a wide range of issues related to trade, economic, technical and humanitarian cooperation.

The head of government added that the bilateral trade is gaining momentum. Last year it rose by 31%. Belarus’ export to China expanded by almost 11% in January-May 2012. “It is great that our companies not merely trade, but also promote investment and innovative cooperation,” he said. New opportunities will open after the establishment of the joint industrial park. The Belarusian President signed a decree giving a special status to the resident companies of the park: they will be granted substantial state preferences.

Mikhail Myasnikovich emphasized that military and defense cooperation with China is among Belarus’ priorities.

There are no forbidden topics in the bilateral cooperation. “We totally trust each other and will promote our relations on the basis of trust,” Mikhail Myasnikovich said.

Xu Caihou expressed appreciation to the Belarusian government and personally Mikhail Myasnikovich for their efforts to expand ties with China, especially in the military and technical field. He gave best regards of the Premier of China and emphasized that China highly values partner relations with Belarus. “The purpose of my visit is to strengthen friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation,” he concluded.