China-Belarus relations have enjoyed a healthy and stable
development since the two countries established diplomatic ties 15
years ago, marked by political mutual trust and support and
mutually beneficial economic cooperation.
The two countries have enjoyed a long friendship and share a
broad range of common interests in political and economic fields.
The bilateral relationship has entered a new stage of all-round
development and strategic cooperation.
Bilateral exchanges and cooperation in various fields have been
fruitful since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1992.
In recent years, exchanges of visits by top Chinese and
Belarusian leaders have become more frequent, which has helped
enhance the friendship and mutual trust.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has visited China four
times. There are no political differences between the two
countries, the president has said.
China, seen by Belarus as a friendly partner, has long been its
foreign policy priority. China also regards Belarus as a reliable
friend.
The China-Belarus friendship is built on a solid political
foundation.
The two countries share similar views on major international
issues. Both favor the creation of a multi-polar world, support the
authority of the United Nations and oppose unilateralism.
China respects Belarus' right to decide on its foreign policy
and choose its own paths of development, and supports its efforts
to safeguard its sovereignty and uphold national dignity, maintain
domestic stability and develop its national economy.
China appreciates Belarus' adherence to the one-China policy and
has thanked it for its long-standing and valuable support to China
over such issues as Taiwan and Tibet, which bear on China's
sovereignty.
Belarus, in response, understands and supports China's
lndependent foreign policy of peace and oppose the "China Threat
Theory."
Trade and economic cooperation, a component part of bilateral
ties, has also been boosted.
Bilateral trade surged from less than US$460 million in 2004 to
nearly US$800 million in 2006, which also represents a 30-percent
increase over 2005.
During January-July this year, bilateral trade reached US$466
million, a 71.8-percent increase over the previous corresponding
period.
Cultural and educational exchanges are also on the increase. A
Confucius institute was established in the State University of
Belarus in Minsk in January, which is expected to facilitate
teaching of the Chinese language and the spread of the Chinese
culture in the country. Meanwhile, more than 1,300 Chinese students
are currently studying in Belarus.
Premier Wen Jiabao's visit to Belarus will undoubtedly further
promote bilateral cooperation in various fields and push the
development of Chinese-Belarusian ties to a new height.
(Xinhua News Agency November 5, 2007)
