China calls for closer media cooperation with Belarus

Liu Yunshan (L), a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, meets with Belarussian Parliament's upper house (Council of the Republic) Chairman Anatoly Rubinov in Minsk, capital of Belarus, Sept. 4, 2013. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

Senior Communist Party of China (CPC) leader Liu Yunshan on Wednesday called for closer media and legislation cooperation between China and Belarus to promote their comprehensive strategic partnership.

Liu, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and secretary of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks during a meeting with Anatoly Rubinov, speaker of Belarus' Council of the Republic, the upper house of its National Assembly.

Hailing the development of bilateral ties since diplomatic ties were established 21 years ago, Liu said China and Belarus are good friends and partners and enjoy a comprehensive strategic partnership full of vigor and vitality.

To achieve their respective development goals, the two nations should find more "converging interests" to support each other and open up for cooperation, he added.

Media cooperation will contribute significantly not only to promoting mutual understanding between the two peoples, but also the common development of the two countries, said the CPC official.

Noting that legislation cooperation has played an important role in enhancing China-Belarus relations, Liu said he looks forward to more exchanges between the two countries' legislatures to help deepen cooperation between the two countries in various areas.

For his part, Rubinov said the Chinese people are friends and brothers of the Belarusian people.

Bilateral relations have witnessed steady progress, especially since Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko's visit to China earlier this year, when bilateral relations were upgraded to a comprehensive strategic partnership, he said.

At present, the two governments are making plans on the future development of their comprehensive strategic partnership, he noted.

During Wednesday's meeting, Rubinov said Liu's visit would inject new vitality into the practical cooperation between the two countries and open a new chapter of media cooperation and cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

Later on Wednesday, Liu visited the Confucius Institute in the Belarusian State University and chatted with teachers and students there.

Liu arrived here Wednesday afternoon for a two-day official visit to Belarus.