BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

2005-12-05

China, Belarus grant each other full market economy status

www.chinaview.cn 23:45:54

BEIJING, Dec. 5 (Xinhuanet) -- China and Belarus signed a memorandum of understanding here Monday, recognizing each other as a country with full market economy.

Chinese President Hu Jintao and Belarusian President Alexander Grigorievich Lukashenko, who is on a three-day state visit to China, witnessed the signing ceremony after nearly one hour of talks in the Great Hall of the People.

As part of a total of 12 documents signed here, the two countries also signed a protocol on Belarus' accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO).

China and Belarus forged diplomatic ties in 1992. During their talks, the two heads of state agreed that the relationship between China and Belarus has developed smoothly over the past 13 years and the two countries have enjoyed mutual trust and support in politics, smooth economic cooperation and closer coordination in international and regional affairs.

"The relationship between China and Belarus has entered a new stage for full development and strategic cooperation," Hu told Lukashenko.

The Chinese president expressed his appreciation for Belarus' "precious" support for China on the Taiwan issue.

He said China respects the domestic and international policies as well as the developing model chosen by Belarus based on its real situation, and supports Belarus' efforts in safeguarding national sovereignty and dignity, maintaining social stability and boosting social and economic development.

Hu also promised that China will support Belarus' efforts in joining the WTO at an early date.

Hu suggested the two countries strengthen bilateral ties by maintaining high-level visits, expanding pragmatic cooperation, deepening cooperation in culture, education, sports and tourism and enhancing consultation in international and regional issues.

In response, Lukashenko said Belarus and China are "sincere" friends due to extensive common interests despite the distance between them.

Lukashenko thanked China for its support to Belarus' entry into the WTO and said the Belarusian government will continue to abide by the one-China policy and be one of China's cooperative partners in the European Continent.

He also expressed his country's interests in joining China's plans of developing its western region and rejuvenating the northeastern old industrial base.

He expressed the hope that trade volume between Belarus and China will reach 1 billion US dollars in the near future.

Lukashenko arrived in Beijing Sunday night, his third trip to China since taking presidency.

Source:

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-12/05/content_3880966.htm