OREANDA-NEWS. September 16, 2008. Belarus is a reliable ally and friend of the People’s Republic of China, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko said on September 15 as he met with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of China to Belarus Wu Hongbin on the occasion of the end of his diplomatic mission.

“China is China and you know about my favour of the policy the People’s Republic of China pursues,” said the head of state. Alexander Lukashenko underscored, he had been to China many times and his first visit took place when he was a member of the parliament. He knows the Chinese reality well and witnessed the beginning of China’s vigorous development. Back then Alexander Lukashenko suggested using China’s practices to develop Belarus.

“Back in the Soviet times I suggested that China’s way is the way of the Soviet Union preservation. Today everyone has seen that after determining its policy and strategic goals China steadily advances. For me the Chinese experience is invaluable,” stressed Alexander Lukashenko. He added there are still many problems in China and it is natural. As over a decade and a half the country has managed to reach a very high development level and made a huge leap. According to the President, tremendous success of Chinese sportsmen at the Olympics as well as success at the Paralympics were the logical continuation of China’s great achievements. “We are very glad for you,” stressed Alexander Lukashenko. According to the President, these victories testify that the hardworking Chinese nation is capable of reaching any goals.

The head of state said he wishes some issues regarding the development of the Belarusian-Chinese strategic partnership to be addressed sooner.

Alexander Lukashenko said China is a great country. “We see China as the focus of power, which has to balance out what is going on on the planet these days. There are several focuses of power and they will get stronger. In the multipolar world theory that me and you adhere to China plays a most important role,” stressed the President.

The Belarusian head of state remarked, Wu Hongbin had done a lot to develop and enhance the Belarusian-Chinese relations and he will always be welcome in Belarus.

The head of state awarded an Order of Peoples’ Friendship to Wu Hongbin for his great personal contribution to the development of the Belarusian-Chinese cooperation. The President underscored, Belarus has very rarely awarded the order to foreign citizens, only 23 or 24 times in the entire Belarusian history. And these are the most reliable friends of Belarus, stressed the President.