MINSK, 17 April (BelTA) - Belarusian lawmakers view China as a priority partner and are ready for an open discussion of any issues, Chairman of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus Vladimir Andreichenko said as he met with the Chinese parliamentary delegation led by Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Zhang Dejiang on 17 April, BelTA has learned.

“Belarusian legislators consider China as a priority partner. We are ready for an open and equal discussion of any issues. We have no closed themes for friends,” stressed the chairman of the House of Representatives. The speaker expressed hope that the visit of the Chinese delegation would open a new page in the bilateral inter-parliamentary relations.

Vladimir Andreichenko emphasized that the Belarusian and Chinese peoples are very much similar by their nature. They are hardworking, live in peace with neighbors, respect other cultures and reject violence. “Perhaps, this is why we find common language so easily,” he said.

The speaker also noted that over the history of the Belarusian-Chinese relations the partners have never had disagreements on the key issues of both the bilateral and international agenda. “All the contacts between the leaders of the two countries have always provided successful results. We value the contribution you have made in the development of the Belarusian-Chinese inter-parliamentary dialogue,” said Vladimir Andreichenko, addressing the head of the Chinese delegation.

“We, in Belarus, have the warmest and brotherly feelings towards the great Chinese people and are proud of the friendship with you. We are happy that despite holding the status of one of the world's leaders, China is building equal and respectful relations will all the countries despite the place they occupy in the world coordinates,” the chairman of the House of Representatives said.

Belarus-China diplomatic relations were established on 20 January 1992. Belarus and China regularly exchange high-level and top-level visits. An active inter-parliamentary dialogue is maintained to fuel the rapid development of Belarusian-Chinese political, trade, economic, and humanitarian relations. Belarus and China successfully cooperate in international organizations, providing support to each other on matters of principle. Working groups on inter-parliamentary cooperation operate in the National Assembly of Belarus and the National People's Congress of China.

Photo by Ramil Nasibulin