China, Belarus discuss cooperation

BEIJING - Senior Chinese and Belarusian officials met in Beijing on Thursday to discuss cooperation in economic affairs, technology, security and culture.

Meng Jianzhu, a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, acted as Chinese chairman of the first meeting of the two countries' Intergovernmental Committee of Cooperation.

China and Belarus have developed strong ties since they established diplomatic relations 22 years ago. They have organized many high-level exchanges, enhancing mutual trust and producing fruitful results, Meng said.

Establishing the committee is a significant move to implement agreements between the countries' leaders, he added.

China is ready to work with Belarus to ensure the committee plays its role of coordinating their joint work, and to "promote the development of bilateral ties to a new level," according to Meng.

Belarusian Deputy Prime Minister Anatoly Tozik, who co-chaired the committee, lauded China as "a close friend and a reliable partner." He said the establishment of the committee will benefit their cooperation.

Belarus attaches great importance to developing its ties with China, Tozik said.

The committee will next meet in Belarus in 2016.