China, Belarus forge comprehensive strategic partnership

（Xinhua）  08:16, July 17, 2013  

BEIJING, July 16 (Xinhua) -- China and Belarus announced on Tuesday to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership as the heads of the two countries held talks in Beijing.

During the talks, Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko reached a high degree of consensus on bilateral relations as well as major international and regional issues.

Xi said bilateral relations have a solid foundation and a broad prospect for development. He said to cement and deepen ties with Belarus is the unswerving policy of China.

He appreciated Belarus's support for issues concerning China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, adding that China will work with Belarus to push for a new development of bilateral relations.

Lukashenko said China is a close and reliable friend of Belarus.

China's stable development on the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics has great significance to the world. It is also a great inspiration to Belarus, he said.

Developing relations with China is a priority in Belarus's foreign policy, Lukashenko said, adding that Belarus hopes to enhance bilateral coordination on major issues.

He also called for a deepened friendship, mutual trust and cooperation.

The presidents of the two countries decided to establish the China-Belarus comprehensive strategic partnership and formulate development plans to further advance the level of cooperation.

The two sides will continue to firmly support each other in political areas. They will firmly support each other's core interests, major concerns, political and social system, development path and economic revitalization. They will maintain close high-level communications and further exchange governance experience.