China, Belarus enjoy sound, stable bilateral ties

MINSK—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 Belarussian leaders have become more frequent, which has helped enhance the friendship and mutual trust. Belarussian 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 460 million U.S. dollars in 2004 to nearly 800 million dollars in 2006, which also represents a 30-percent increase over 2005. During January-July this year, bilateral trade reached 466 million dollars, 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.
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao’s visit to Belarus will undoubtedly further promote bilateral cooperation in various fields and push the development of Chinese-Belarussian ties to a new height.—Xinhua