Alexander Lukashenko noted that China and Belarus should constantly enhance political mutual trust and remain each other’s true friends and good partners….reports Asian Lite News
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko will travel to China for a working visit from December 3-4, Belarusian state agency BelTA reported on Sunday, citing Lukashenko’s press service.
During his visit to Beijing, Lukashenko is scheduled to hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The agenda of talks includes issues related to trade, economic, investment and international cooperation. During his visit, he will also attend social and humanitarian events.
Earlier this February, Lukashenko had been in China on a state visit.
According to BelTA report, The Belarusian President held a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping who stressed that the “friendship” between China and Belarus is “unbreakable,” according to a statement released by the Chinese Embassy in Indonesia.
He noted that China and Belarus should constantly enhance political mutual trust and remain each other’s true friends and good partners.
Previously, in September 2022, Lukashenko and Xi Jinping held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Samarkand, BelTA reported.
The two leaders adopted a joint declaration to advance relations to “an all-weather and comprehensive strategic partnership.”
Xi visits Shanghai
Chinese President Xi Jinping has visited Shanghai for the first time in three years. This comes as his government steps up efforts to support the country’s economy and financial markets, CNN reported.
Xi made the trip on Tuesday and Wednesday and he visited the Shanghai Futures Exchange, a tech exhibition in the Zhangjiang High-tech Park, and a government-subsidised rental housing community, according to Chinese state-run Xinhua News Agency.
The Chinese President was accompanied by top government officials, including Vice Premier He Lifeng and Cai Qi, his chief of staff.
The Chinese President’s visit, his first since 2020, comes as business confidence wanes in China and foreign companies pull out of the country.
China’s economy is stagnating after decades of rapid expansion. It’s affected by a series of problems, including a real estate crisis, record youth unemployment, debt-ridden local governments and a rapidly ageing population.
The country’s tighter business control and strained relations with the West are scaring away foreign investors. A gauge of foreign direct investment into China has turned negative for the first time since 1998.
Data released by the Chinese government on Thursday showed the official manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index slipped to 49.4 in November from 49.5 in October, signalling a further contraction in factory output. Last month, the PMI unexpectedly shrank from September amid weak demand, according to CNN. (ANI)