Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko met visiting Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan on Wednesday to discuss bilateral relations and issues of common concern.

 

When meeting with Cao in the presidential office building in the Belarusian capital of Minsk, Lukashenko said relations between Belarus and China had enjoyed smooth growth, made great achievements in recent years and had entered a new era of all-round development and strategic cooperation.

 

Belarus and China had many common interests and great potential for further cooperation, Lukashenko said, adding that his country stood ready to work with China to boost ties between the two armies of both nations.

 

Lukashenko reaffirmed the Belarusian government's adherence to the one-China policy.

 

Cao, for his part, said bilateral relations had witnessed healthy and steady growth since China and Belarus established diplomatic ties 14 years ago.

 

The two countries have offered each other political trust and support, cooperated for common growth in economic ties, carried out extensive exchanges in various fields and coordinated closely in international and regional affairs, he said.

 

Cao pledged China's efforts to work with Belarus to boost bilateral military ties.

 

Cao arrived in Minsk on Tuesday for a four-day visit to Belarus.

 

(Xinhua News Agency September 14, 2006)