Senior military official meets Belarusian military chief

Visiting Vice Chairman of China's Central Military Commission Xu Caihou Wednesday held talks with the Belarusian military chief on ties and military cooperation.

In the talks with Belarusian Defense Minister Yuri Zhadobin, Xu Caihou said China and Belarus have enjoyed profound traditional friendship and steady development of ties.

In recent years, bilateral relations have entered the stage of comprehensive development and strategic cooperation, he said, adding that political mutual trust has been steadily deepened, economic and trade cooperation fruitful, and cultural exchanges more frequent.

The two sides' close coordination on international affairs have safeguarded their common interests and made positive contributions to the promotion of security and stability in the region and across the world, Xu noted.

He said bilateral military-to-military ties have also been strengthened in recent years, especially in training.

China has always regarded Belarus as its sincere friend and reliable partner, and is willing to work with it to further ratchet up strategic mutual trust and bilateral cooperation, said the Chinese official.

Zhadobin agreed with Xu, saying that bilateral cooperation in various sectors, including the military field, has been pragmatic and fruitful.

He said Belarus is satisfied with the development of bilateral ties.

Belarus and China have also seen close coordination on handling regional and international affairs, and supported each other on issues concerning their core interests, he said.

Zhadobin added that Belarus would like to work with China to promote relations between the two countries and their military ties to new levels.

On the same day, Xu also met with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.

During the talks, Lukashenko said his country shall always adhere to the one-China policy.

The president expressed appreciation of China's long-term support for the development of his country and its armed forces.