Lukashenko, Xi discussed promoting peace talks for Ukraine: Ambassador

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
4 Mar 2023 23:21

Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko has recently concluded a three-day state visit to China that began on February 28.

Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a welcoming ceremony for Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in the Northern Hall of the Great Hall of the People prior to their talks in Beijing, China, on March 1, 2023 (Xinhua)

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and Chinese President Xi Jinping have both discussed promoting peace talks to assist in efforts on the settlement of the Ukraine conflict during the Belarussian leader's state visit to China that ended two days ago, Belarusia's Ambassador to Beijing, Yuri Senko, said on Saturday.

"The discussion also took place between our leaders. The presidents stressed that it was necessary to unite the efforts, seek to continue working to influence this conflict in such a way that the parties move on to a peaceful discussion of issues, and search for solutions that would be favorable for everybody and for the whole world," Senko told Belarusian broadcaster Belarus 1.

Lukashenko has recently concluded a three-day state visit to China which began on February 28. During their meeting, the two leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in defense, law enforcement, security, military training, and the battle against "color revolutions", as per a joint statement reported by the Belarusian state-run news agency Belta.

The leaders of Minsk and Beijing have also conciliated to reinforce the use of national currencies in bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, and finance.

China supports Belarus' rapid admission to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) as a full member, the statement added.

"The parties will continue to carry out comprehensive cooperation within the framework of multilateral structures, such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia. China supports the accelerated entry of Belarus into the Shanghai Cooperation Organization as a full member," the statement read.

Lukashenko's visit came at the fleet of the 31st anniversary of China-Belarus diplomatic ties, which have been steadily strengthened and enhanced over the years, with substantial success in all-around cooperation.

In September 2022, the two countries adopted a comprehensive strategic partnership that elevated bilateral ties and was widely appreciated in Minsk as it balanced against Western-led sanctions that were unfairly imposed on the country.