International: Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in Beijing on Monday, reaffirming the two countries` commitment to strengthening their comprehensive strategic partnership and expanding cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

During the meeting, President Xi described China and Belarus as true friends built on mutual trust and support, reliable partners pursuing shared development and prosperity, and all-weather comprehensive strategic partners. He said the two countries enjoy a high degree of political mutual trust and have achieved fruitful results through their cooperation in advancing the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Xi called for maintaining close strategic communication and further elevating bilateral relations to deliver greater benefits to the peoples of both countries. He also reaffirmed China`s support for Belarus in safeguarding its national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

The Chinese president said China is willing to continue supporting Belarus` development and work with the country to accelerate high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. He also expressed China`s readiness to deepen collaboration with Belarus in building a community with a shared future for mankind and implementing the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative, and the Belt and Road Initiative. In addition, Xi called for closer coordination under multilateral frameworks, including the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

President Lukashenko, in response, said Belarus attaches great importance to its relationship with China and is committed to strengthening strategic communication and practical cooperation with Beijing.

He expressed confidence that President Xi`s global initiatives would make significant contributions to international peace, stability and shared prosperity.

Lukashenko also said Belarus is willing to maintain close communication and coordination with China on international and regional affairs, with the aim of jointly promoting global and regional peace, development and stability.

Source: Cai, Alim and Wang Haiman, China Media Group (CMG).