MINSK, 27 July (BelTA) - Cooperation between the Armed Forces of Belarus and China has been robust, Belarus' Defense Minister Andrei Ravkov said at an event to celebrate the 91st anniversary of the People's Liberation Army of China, BelTA has learned.

According to the minister, the military cooperation has been developing well in such areas as the exchange of experience in the construction of the Armed Forces, joint military training, education and science. This year, the Chinese military equipment was featured in Belarus' Independence Day military parade. For the first time servicemen of the People's Liberation Army of China joined parade ranks on Belarus' Independence Day.

“Impeccable military bearing, precision and cohesion of the Chinese troops impressed the audience and will remain in memory for a long time,” Andrei Ravkov said.

He also noted that the peoples of the two countries have the heroic past. “Having suffered enormous losses, Belarus and China made an invaluable contribution to the victory in World War II. It was only through the will of the people and firm leadership of the Communist Party of China that the country regained peace and an opportunity to work peacefully, to develop the economy. In a relatively short period of time, China has gone a long way in modernizing the economy, implementing the policy of openness and major reforms and changes in the armed forces, created a modern army that can fight back any enemy,” the minister said.

Andrei Ravkov also stressed that the People's Liberation Army of China is currently undergoing the process of reform which is scheduled to be completed by 2020. “The national armed forces of China are not only a reliable guarantor of state sovereignty and territorial integrity but also make a significant contribution to strengthening regional and international security,” Andrei Ravkov noted.