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)