Belarus leader hails ‘reliable’ friendship with China

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko hailed his country’s “reliable” friendship with China on Monday as he held talks with counterpart Xi Jinping on his second trip to Beijing this year.

Lukashenko, a staunch ally of Russia, arrived in China on Sunday for a visit expected to last at least two days.

He and Xi will discuss issues including “trade, the economy, investment and international cooperation”, his office announced on Sunday.

Lukashenko last came to China in February, a trip that drew scrutiny given Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

“Belarus is, was and will be a reliable partner for China,” Lukashenko told Xi on Monday, according to a readout of the talks from the office of the Belarusian presidency.

“We decided long ago that we would cooperate… and be friends with China,” he said.

“This friendship is more than 30 years old and has never turned away from this path.”

Beijing has not publicly condemned Russia’s offensive despite pressure from the United States and other Western nations.

Belarus relies heavily on Russia for political and financial support, and was used as a launchpad for Moscow’s assault against Ukraine in February 2022. (BSS/AFP)