MINSK. March 1 (Interfax) - Expanding cooperation with China is a priority of Minsk's foreign policy, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said.
"Broadening contacts with China is a priority of our foreign policy," Lukashenko said at a meeting with Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China Li Zhanshu on Wednesday, according to the Belarusian state news agency BelTA.
"Thanks to our joint efforts, the notion of comprehensive strategic partnership has acquired special meaning in relations between Belarus and the People's Republic of China. Minsk and Beijing are continuing today to strengthen their constructive political dialogue, successfully develop economic cooperation and promote regional ties," the Belarusian president said.
"We stand ready to make all necessary efforts in the future to productively develop our partnership," he said.
Lukashenko reaffirmed that Belarus supports China in all sensitive issues.
"We very highly value close strategic cooperation with your country on the world stage. Our countries invariably support each other in important and key matters on the global agenda. We condemn actions aimed at heightening tensions around Taiwan. Belarus has always followed the One China principle, has spoken in favor of a peaceful solution and has categorically opposed foreign states' interference in the internal affairs of the People's Republic of China. Minsk has supported and will continue to support Beijing in all sensitive matters, including Xinjiang, the South China Sea, Hong Kong and Taiwan," the Belarusian leader said.
China has become a global power, Lukashenko said.
"Not a single issue on our planet can be resolved today without China. China is a multipolar world supporter. This is the policy that we also pursue. And, in general, the policies both inside China and inside Belarus are similar. We fully support the international agenda. We are on the same page," he said.