Defending right to sovereign development seen as overarching theme in Belarus-China cooperation

Defending the right of sovereign states to choose their own path of development, aocio-economic model, constitutional structure, territorial integrity is an overarching theme in the Belarusian-Chinese cooperation, Belarusian First Deputy Prime Minister, Co-Chairman of the Belarusian-Chinese Intergovernmental Committee on Cooperation, former Ambassador of Belarus to China Nikolai Snopkov said when speaking at the international conference "Three decades of the Belarusian-Chinese relations and a community of common destiny for all mankind", BelTA has learned.

Nikolai Snopkov stressed the importance of cooperation between Belarus and China. January this year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of Belarusian-Chinese diplomatic relations.

The leaders of the two countries have contributed a lot to the rapid development of Belarusian-Chinese cooperation, Nikolai Snopkov noted. "In a short period of time, relations between Belarus and China have moved from ‘simply friendly’ to ‘comprehensive strategic partnership, all-weather friendship and iron brotherhood’, which is the highest possible form of relations," Nikolai Snopkov said.

He stressed that over the past three decades, the two countries, despite the difference in scale, have faced one and the same task, namely building a state that effectively addresses social development issues based on the historical traditions and modern technologies. According to the first deputy prime minister, both Belarusians and also Chinese recognize the state as an institution responsible for social justice and development.

"China started on this path earlier, which allowed us to draw on its invaluable experience in the search for recipes for our own development. Once again, I would like to congratulate the Chinese friends on the successful achievement of the goals set for the CPC centenary. I am also sure that the goals set for the centennial founding of the PRC will be reached as well," Nikolai Snopkov said.

“The present and future of our countries rely on the idea put forward by Chinese President Xi Jinping to create a community of common destiny. The goal is worthy of a leader who is able to take responsibility,” Nikolai Snopkov expressed confidence.