China and Belarus signed a memorandum of understanding in
Beijing yesterday recognizing each other as a country with a full
market economy.
President Hu Jintao
and his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Grigorievich Lukashenko,
who is on a three-day state visit, witnessed the signing ceremony
after nearly one hour of talks in the Great Hall of the People.
As part of a total of 12 documents signed, the two countries
also signed a protocol on Belarus' accession to the WTO.
China and Belarus forged diplomatic ties in 1992. During their
talks, the two heads of state agreed that relations have developed
smoothly since then and both countries have enjoyed mutual trust
and support in politics, smooth economic cooperation and closer
coordination in international and regional affairs.
"The relationship between China and Belarus has entered a new
stage for full development and strategic cooperation," Hu told
Lukashenko.
Hu expressed his appreciation for Belarus' "precious" support
for China on the Taiwan issue.
He said China respects the domestic and international policies
as well as the development model chosen by Belarus based on its
real situation, and supports Belarus' efforts in safeguarding
national sovereignty and dignity, maintaining social stability and
boosting social and economic development.
Hu also promised that China will support Belarus' efforts in
joining the WTO at an early date.
Hu suggested the two countries strengthen bilateral ties by
maintaining high-level visits, expanding pragmatic cooperation,
deepening cooperation in culture, education, sports and tourism and
enhancing consultation in international and regional issues.
Lukashenko said Belarus and China are "sincere" friends due to
extensive common interests despite the distance between them.
Lukashenko thanked China for its support for Belarus' entry into
the WTO and said the Belarusian government will continue to abide
by the one-China policy and be one of China's cooperative partners
on the European continent.
He also expressed his country's interests in joining China's
plans for developing its western region and rejuvenating its
northeastern old industrial base.
He expressed hope that trade volume between Belarus and China
will reach US$1 billion in the near future.
Lukashenko arrived in Beijing on Sunday night, his third trip to
China since taking the presidency.
(Xinhua News Agency December 6, 2005)