China and Belarus Thursday pledged closer economic links and enhanced co-operation in the international arena.
During their talks, both President Jiang Zemin and his Belarussian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko said that the two countries will strengthen mutual consultations and co-operation on international issues.
China and Belarus share common concerns over a number of international issues, according to the press communique issued after the talks. They include the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty and the role of the United Nations.
The two heads of states stressed in the document that the 1972 ABM Treaty is the cornerstone for global strategic balance and international security.The United Nations General Assembly adopted resolutions initiated by China, Russia and Belarus calling for compliance with the treaty and its preservation.
China and Belarus, in their press communique, called the resolutions "of great significance.'' The consensus came at a time when the United States seeks changes to the ABM Treaty so as to pave the way for its development of a missile defence system.
The two leaders also upheld the role of the United Nations, saying that under no circumstances would they accept any attempts to violate the purposes and principles of the UN Charter by interfering in the internal affairs of other countries.
In regards to the bilateral dimension, China and Belarus said that they support each other in safeguarding national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Belarus reaffirmed its one-China position in the press communique.
Next year, China and Belarus will celebrate the 10th anniversary of their establishment of diplomatic relations.
According to a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Jiang said that joint efforts have successfully established bilateral co-operative ties based on respect, equality, reciprocity and non-interference in each other's internal affairs. These ties are characterized by a high-degree of trust and close co-operation.
Calling China "a trustworthy friend,'' Lukashenko expressed great appreciation for China's support and help, according to the spokesman. Encouraged by a solid political foundation and strong bilateral ties, both countries are seeking to boost mutual trade and economic co-operation.
During Thursday's meeting, Jiang said he hoped that both countries take measures to promote trade and support direct contacts between enterprises in the two countries.
Lukashenko, who proposed during his visit to China in April that the two countries work to bring the bilateral trade volume to US$500 million, said that economic ties are an important basis for bilateral relations.
Sino-Belarussian trade volume registered a skyrocketing increase last year, reaching nearly US$114 million, recording a 336.7 per cent increase over the previous year.
During his meeting with Belarussian Prime Minister Vladimir Yermoshin, Jiang again expressed confidence in furthering economic links with Belarus, highlighting opportunities generated by China's initiative to develop its vast western regions. The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman quoted Yermoshin as saying that Belarus will make greater efforts for closer co-operation with China.
Jiang Thursday also held talks with speakers of the upper and lower chambers of parliament, A. P. Voitovich and V. A. Popov. The two speakers expressed their willingness to strengthen co-operation with China's National People's Congress (NPC).
Jiang told the two speakers that frequent exchanges of visits and co-operation between the NPC and Belarussian National Assembly play an indispensable role in promoting bilateral ties.
He also expressed confidence that the two will continue their co-operation on international issues so as to safeguard mutual interests and promote bilateral relations.
Jiang wound up his 22-hour visit to Belarus and arrived in the Moldovan capital of Chisinau Thursday afternoon for the third leg of his five-nation European tour.
In a written statement released upon his arrival at the airport in Chisinau, Jiang said that he will discuss with Moldovan leaders new ways to expand bilateral co-operation.
(China Daily 07/20/2001)
