Belarus' lower house of parliament ratifies China-Belarus friendship and cooperation treaty

MINSK (BelTA) - Members of the House of Representatives ratified the treaty on friendship and cooperation between China and Belarus on 2 October, BelTA has learned.

The document was signed by the heads of state in Minsk on 10 May 2015. It provides, in general terms, for the development of long-term and stable relations of all-round strategic partnership.

When presenting the document, Belarus' Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alena Kupchyna said that the development of relations with China is a priority of Belarus' foreign policy. "The Belarusian-Chinese political, trade and economic relations are developing dynamically, which is primarily due to the lack of fundamental contradictions, and also thanks to the common principles of domestic and foreign policy, similar views on the key issues on the global agenda. Personal trustful contacts between the two heads of state contribute to the effective development of the Belarusian-Chinese interaction," said Alena Kupchyna.

Under the document, Belarus and China agree not to use force or threat of force in mutual relations in line with the UN Charter and other universally recognized principles and norms of international law, settle disputes by solely peaceful means, and not to interfere in domestic affairs of each other.

According to Article 5 of the treaty, Belarus supports the One China policy, acknowledges the government as the country's legitimate one representing the whole China, and views Taiwan as an integral part of China.

China, in turn, supports Belarus' efforts aimed at protecting its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, securing its political and social stability, and speaks against any interference of external forces with Belarus' domestic affairs under any pretext.

Apart from that, the parties to the treaty agree to jointly foster the development of the Silk Road Economic Belt and expand cooperation in the trade, economic, financial, investment, sci-tech, energy, space, transport, IT, agricultural, humanitarian and other areas.

The treaty is valid for 10 years with an option of five-year automatic prolongation.