ISTANBUL

Belarus said on Wednesday that diplomatic relations with China had reached an “unprecedented high level of cooperation” after the Chinese defense minister’s three-day visit to Minsk aimed at strengthening bilateral ties.

Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin met with his Chinese counterpart Li Shangfu, after which he said: “Over 31 years of diplomatic relations, through traditional friendship and mutual respect, our countries have achieved a comprehensive strategic partnership.”

The Defense Ministry of Belarus noted in a statement that Beijing is critical to Belarus’ foreign policy because of its strong standing and influence in the international arena.

Khrenin added that the friendly relations between Belarus and China had formed a basis for developing cooperation between the two countries.

“Despite external factors, our deep and special relations allow us to move towards creating a community of common interests and a common destiny,” he said.

The Belarusian defense minister added that his Chinese counterpart’s visit would help strengthen military relations and understanding between the two countries' armed forces and offer “excellent prospects for the development of relations in the trade, economic, scientific and technical fields.”