Key facts
- Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
- Xi described China-Belarus relations as being at a historic peak.
- Lukashenko's visit follows recent talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
- China and Belarus are described as true friends and good partners.
- Both leaders agreed to enhance cooperation within multilateral frameworks like the UN and SCO.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Monday, according to the Belarusian presidential Telegram channel Pul Pervogo. During the talks, Xi stated that China-Belarus relations have reached a "historic peak," a sentiment echoed by Lukashenko, who described the meeting as aligning with previous discussions and aspirations for cooperation.
Lukashenko's visit to China comes after he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin last week. This meeting follows mounting tensions between Belarus and Ukraine, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressing belief that Putin is attempting to secure greater support from Lukashenko for Russia's war in Ukraine.
Chinese state media reported that Xi hosted Lukashenko at the Diaoyutai state guesthouse. Xi congratulated Lukashenko on his reelection, emphasizing the enduring friendship and strong political trust between the two nations, referring to them as "true friends and good partners." He called for enhanced coordination within multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to oppose hegemony and safeguard international fairness and justice.
Lukashenko, on his 15th visit to China, expressed gratitude for China's support and stated Belarus's high trust in China, affirming a commitment to advancing cooperation. He also conveyed admiration for China's adherence to multilateralism and opposition to unilateralism and sanctions.