Lukashenko: Belarus is a reliable friend of China, seeks to develop strategic relations

Belarus is a reliable friend of China and the Chinese people, and we would like to continue fostering serious strategic relations with the country, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said during a meeting with Vice Premier of the State Council of China Liu Guozhong in Minsk.

"We live in rather challenging and contradictory times. We often reflect on who our friends are, who has ceased to be a friend, and who stands on the other side of the barricades. But you should know (and I am confident that you do) that Belarus is a reliable friend of China and the Chinese people. Not only because these are challenging times, particularly for our economy, but because we have been building open and friendly relations for decades. Rest assured that here, in the heart of Europe, you have reliable friends who are strongly committed to promoting bilateral cooperation and can also assist the People's Republic of China with achieving the major goals as it is implementing the Belt and Road Initiative across various domains. We have never let you down and never will," the head of state said.