Li to elevate relations with Russia and Belarus

Premier Li Qiang will visit Russia and Belarus from Tuesday to Friday, a trip expected to deepen political trust and promote beneficial cooperation with both countries, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Monday.

In Moscow, Li will chair the 29th regular meeting between Chinese and Russian heads of government with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Mao said.

Established in 1996, this annual meeting is crucial for delivering on the common understandings between the two presidents and coordinating practical cooperation in various areas. Li and Mishustin will have in-depth exchange of views on China-Russia relations, practical cooperation and issues of mutual interest.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Russia and the inaugural year of the China-Russia Years of Culture.

Li's visit will be another high-level exchange this year, following two meetings between President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin in May and July.

"Under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, the China-Russia relationship has overcome external interference and enjoyed sound and steady growth," Mao said.

Bilateral cooperation is continuously advancing, with bilateral trade reaching a record $240.1 billion last year, making China Russia's largest trading partner for 14 consecutive years.

Smooth development

Li's visit to Belarus will be the first by a Chinese premier since 2007.

In Minsk, Li will hold talks with Belarusian Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko, Mao said.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992, China and Belarus have enjoyed a smooth development of bilateral ties featuring frequent high-level exchanges. In 2022, the two countries established an all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership.

"In recent years, under the personal guidance of both presidents, China-Belarus relations have maintained sound momentum of growth," Mao said, noting political mutual trust has been consolidated and Belt and Road cooperation has borne fruitful results.

Belarus was among the first group of countries that echoed the Belt and Road Initiative and participated in its cooperation, yielding benefits in trade, investment, agriculture and other areas.

China is Belarus' second-largest trading partner, and Belarus is one of China's fastest-growing trade partners in Eurasia. According to the Foreign Ministry, bilateral trade exceeded $8.4 billion last year, a year-on-year increase of 67.3 percent.