Cooperation with the Middle Kingdom in a new era. Results and features of Lukashenka's state visit to China Alexander Lukashenko

and Xi Jinping During the meeting between President of Belarus ALEXANDER LUKASHENKO and President of CHINA Xi Jinping Alexander Lukashenko and Xi JinpingDuring the meeting between President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko and President of China Xi Jinping Alexander Lukashenko and Xi Jinping 12

March 2, MINSK. President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko paid a state visit to the People's Republic of China from February 28 to March 2. This is the highest protocol status of foreign visits, BelTA informs.

In Beijing, the HEAD of the Belarusian state was met taking into account all the features of not only the diplomatic protocol, but also friendly relations between the countries, a special level of all-weather and comprehensive strategic partnership, which the leaders of Belarus and China agreed on back in September 2022 .

National anthems, a guard of honor, Belarusian flags on the streets of Beijing, a motorcade accompanied by motorcyclists and many other subtleties testified to the special status of this visit. Since ancient times, China has paid great attention to business etiquette and protocol, and therefore there can be no accidents in this matter.

But the main thing was not this, but, with Alexander Lukashenko, Chinese President Xi Jinping, the need to fill the new status of bilateral relations with content. “Mr. President and I are united by a common desire to develop Chinese-Belarusian relations. We have been friends for more than a year. We have a strong unbreakable friendship. In the context of instability and turbulence in the international situation, China is actively disposed to continue joint efforts with Belarus to strengthen political mutual cooperation in the interests of a dynamic, healthy and sustainable development of bilateral relations," he said.

VISIT AT A SPECIAL TIME

The current visit of the President of Belarus to China is of historical significance. By the way, he is the 13th head of state, and Alexander Lukashenko also met with the current President of China Xi Jinping for the 13th time. And in China, this figure does not cause any negative connotations. On the contrary, as sinologists managed to find out, the number is lucky and noble, which has many examples in the culture of this country.

it should be especially noted that the visit took place at a time of important political events in China itself, as well as against the backdrop of a difficult period of geopolitical transformation on the planet. At the same time, it is important to understand that China has already become one of the main poles of the multipolar structure of the world, and therefore much depends on its internal stability and stable development on a global scale.

This includes Alexander Lukashenko at the beginning of his four-hour talks with Xi Jinping. “Dear Chairman, dear friend of the Belarusian people. First of all, once again I want to congratulate you on the greatest trust of the Chinese people. In my congratulations on behalf of the President of Belarus, my family, I honestly spoke about the fact that we were very worried about the success of the next congress of the Communist Party of China "We were very worried. Although it was possible not to worry. But, nevertheless, you always worry about your friends. And on behalf of the Belarusian people, on behalf of my small family, I would like to personally congratulate my friend Xi Jinping on his election as Chairman of the PRC," said the head of state.

But that is not all. Literally one of these days, the annual sessions of the National People's Congress and the Advisory Council will begin their work in Beijing. These are important political events in China, during which personnel decisions will be made, a team will be formed to further implement plans for the strategic development of the PRC and achieve its goals. "This is rare. And this (the organization of a state visit in this period. - Approx. BelTA) only emphasizes the importance and significance of friendship and friendly disposition, first of all, between the two leaders - Alexander Lukashenko and Xi Jinping," First Deputy Prime Minister said in an interview. Belarusian government Nikolai Snopkov.

THE IMPOSSIBLE IS POSSIBLE

The official talks between the heads of state in Beijing were preceded by meaningful meetings between Alexander Lukashenko and representatives of the top leadership of the PRC.

First, with Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China Li Keqiang. Alexander Lukashenko recalled that at one time it was in China that they adopted experience in a number of areas, primarily in the issue of creating free economic zones. “We have adopted all the best (30 years ago this process) from you. We have done a lot since then. President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping and I opened near Minsk," the head of state said. "Then I said that we would never be indebted to the great Chinese people. This has always been the case in the history of our people. I have worked with three Chinese Presidents: Jiang Zemin Hu Jintao and the current Xi Jinping."

Alexander Lukashenko stressed that with the direct participation of Li Keqiang, the parties achieved the almost impossible. Earlier, the parties dreamed of $5 billion in trade. Today, this figure has almost reached $6 billion and continues to grow.

"We do not have closed topics for cooperation. We cooperate in all areas. And, most importantly, we have never set ourselves the task of being friends and working against third countries, anyone. We do everything in the interests of our peoples - Belarusian and Chinese. This will continue in the future," the Belarusian leader assured.

Alexander Lukashenko wished success in the development of China, because this is important for Belarus as well. “If China is strong, our Belarus will be strong and will develop. We have many proposals, a lot of plans that will be beneficial for both Belarus and China. You have a peaceful, calm Belarus in the center of Europe. Let’s together intensify our relations in the benefit of our peoples. There are no closed topics for you, there are no closed regions. Come, we will cooperate. Our friendship has become all-weather, all-encompassing. And in this vein, we are ready to act and meet the needs of the Chinese people," the Belarusian leader assured.

China is traditionally one of the three trade partners of Belarus. In 2022, the trade turnover between Belarus and China amounted to $5.79 billion (more than 113% compared to 2021). EXPORT of goods amounted to $1.61 billion, import - $4.18 billion.

After meeting with Li Keqiang, Alexander Lukashenko at the central Tiananmen Square in Beijing to the Monument of People's Heroes. This is not only a tradition, but also an important part of a state visit. The preservation of historical memory is also important for China, and the country honors its heroes who gave their lives in the revolutionary struggle.

PRIORITY IN POLICY

Another important meeting was with Li Zhanshu, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China. Here Alexander Lukashenko also mentioned the amendments to the Constitution of Belarus, according to which the All-Belarusian People's Assembly was given a constitutional status. There are no analogues of this structure in the world, but, as the President noted, it is similar to the National People's Congress.

"Expanding contacts with China is a priority for us in foreign policy. Thanks to joint efforts, the concept of a comprehensive strategic partnership has acquired particular importance in relations between Belarus and China. Today, Minsk and Beijing continue to strengthen constructive political dialogue, successfully develop economic cooperation and expand regional ties," - said the head of state.

Alexander Lukashenko stressed that the all-weather nature of bilateral cooperation allows Belarus and China to move forward. "We are ready to continue to make the necessary efforts for the fruitful development of our partnership," he said.

Alexander Lukashenko also announced the similarity of the views of Belarus and China on the issue of a multipolar world order. "China has become a global power. Without China, today it is impossible to solve any issue on our planet. China is a supporter of a multipolar world. We are pursuing the same policy. In general, the policy both inside China and inside Belarus is similar. We fully support the international agenda We are acting in the same vein," the Belarusian leader said.

He emphasized that the recent proposals of the Chairman of the People's Republic of China on peaceful development on the planet, avoidance of sanctions, development of good neighborliness and mutually beneficial cooperation fully coincide with the policy of Belarus.

"We greatly appreciate the close strategic cooperation with your country in the international arena. Our countries have consistently supported each other on important key issues on the world agenda. We condemn actions aimed at escalating tensions around Taiwan. Belarus has always followed the "One China" principle, supported and will support Beijing on all sensitive issues, including Xinjiang, the South China Sea, Hong Kong and Taiwan," the Belarusian leader assured.

Alexander Lukashenko also emphasized that inter-parliamentary contacts are a significant factor in the development of Belarusian-Chinese relations.

JOINT INITIATIVES

At the talks with Xi Jinping, the head of the Belarusian state expressed support for China's initiatives in the field of international security and development.

"The meeting is taking place at a very difficult time, requiring new non-standard approaches and responsible political decisions. They should be aimed primarily at preventing a slide into a global confrontation in which there will be no winners. You recently stated this clearly, unequivocally, punctually, addressing the world This is why Belarus actively comes up with proposals for peace and fully supports your initiative on international security," the Belarusian leader said.

He noted that Xi Jinping's initiative on development issues also fully coincides with the Belarusian vision. “We immediately joined the mechanisms to promote it and are ready for joint preparation and implementation of projects in Belarus,” Alexander Lukashenko said.

The Global Development Initiative to assist developing countries through China-funded technical assistance projects was launched by Xi Jinping in September 2021 in a speech at the UN General Assembly. Beijing formed the Group of Friends in Support of the Initiative, which currently has about 60 UN member states. Belarus was among the first to join the group.

The Global Security Initiative was launched by the PRC President in April 2022 at the opening of the Boao Forum for Asia. The basis of the initiative is the firm upholding of the authority and status of the UN, the joint practice of a truly multilateral approach, the coordination of efforts to eliminate security threats in both traditional and non-traditional areas, joint work to improve the global security management system, and the desire to create a new framework for regional security. The initiative coincides with the Belarusian vision of the situation on the world stage, as well as initiatives to resume a broad international dialogue to strengthen confidence, security and cooperation measures in Europe.

HUGE POTENTIAL

Create joint ventures and develop cooperation. This proposal was voiced by Alexander Lukashenko at the open to the press part of the negotiations with the President of the People's Republic of China.

"We are extremely interested in deepening cooperation with China on technological development, including the creation of joint ventures, the modernization of Belarusian enterprises with the introduction of modern Chinese technologies, the promotion of goods and services to the markets of third countries," the Belarusian leader said.

He noted that the potential of bilateral projects is enormous. “Our manufacturers are interested in studying the competencies and technologies of Chinese companies in the formation of a component base, the production of engines, transmissions, axles and other units. I propose to create joint ventures in the field of machine tool building, electric transport, production of parts for agricultural machinery both in Belarus and in China. Cooperation will help increase the competitiveness of products," Alexander Lukashenko stressed.

At the talks, the President also voiced a number of other proposals that are in line with joint work in the field of socio-economic development and modernization.

NEW ERA

The leaders of the countries, both at the talks in broad and narrow formats, communicated much longer than planned, which clearly indicates a mutual interest in resolving issues on the agenda and focus on results.

In the presence of the heads of state on cooperation in various fields. The main signatures were personally signed by Alexander Lukashenko and Xi Jinping. This is a joint statement on the further development of the exemplary all-weather and comprehensive strategic partnership between Belarus and China in a new era.

The parties agreed that raising the status of bilateral relations to the level of all-weather and comprehensive strategic partnership is a landmark event. Bilateral relations have made a historic leap forward and have become an example of a new type of international relations. In this regard, in a statement, the heads of state outlined the areas of cooperation for the future. "This is the most important political document, which emphasizes that in this difficult situation, China is with us, and we are not letting China down," Nikolai Snopkov told reporters.

"Personal communication between the heads of state always gives a powerful impetus to the development of bilateral relations in all areas without exception. This was also reflected during this visit in the form of the signing of a large package of bilateral agreements and agreements. 27 intergovernmental, interdepartmental and interregional agreements were signed, about 8 commercial contracts in various areas - industrial and agricultural activities. And this is not the limit. Because the work continues. And we expect that this package will be increased, "- Belarusian Foreign Minister Sergei Aleinik on the morning of March 2 in Beijing.

The documents relate to the development of cooperation in various areas, including investment, agriculture, food supplies, healthcare, construction, industry, scientific and technical cooperation, sports, tourism and media.

In addition, a large block of documents signed within the framework of Alexander Lukashenko's state visit to China concerns inter-regional cooperation, finance, banking, information support for trade and cooperation through the organization of the Red Cross.

As Nikolai Snopkov said, in general, a block of the most powerful documents was signed, which for the next 5-10 years will create the structure of relations between the two countries.

He emphasized that the parties have reached the finish line on an agreement on trade in services and investment. Work on it was carried out for three years. "This is actually a free trade zone in services and investments. This means that there will be no barriers. Approximately, according to international experience, this is plus 12.5% ​​in trade in services and plus 30% in investments. This is if in a simple way. But the document is deep and powerful. The most important thing is that there are no barriers. And we all know that in fact, 80% of the production of goods is services," the First Deputy Prime Minister said.

Another important document of a strategic nature is a comprehensive strategy for joint industrial development. That is, China is ready to share industrial production technologies with Belarus. This is the most important element of the future technological development, given that China today is an advanced technological country.

A package of documents on deepening cooperation with the regions of China is also extremely important. On the advice of Xi Jinping, at this stage, the focus will be on cooperation with three of them. These are the cities of Tianjin, Qingdao and Chongqing. Priority interests here lie in the field of cooperation in logistics, transit, e-commerce, medicine, using the opportunities of the SCO free trade zone platform.

There are good developments with Chinese partners in the fields of medicine and pharmaceuticals, automotive, ICT and payment infrastructure.

BUSINESS CONTACTS

On the last day of the visit, March 2, Alexander Lukashenko held meetings with the heads of large Chinese corporations, where they discussed investment in various areas and cooperation in the automotive industry.

The Head of State also met with Chairman of the Board of CITIC Group Corporation Zhu Hexin. He stressed that Belarus is proud of its cooperation with one of the most powerful companies in the world, which is the CITIC Group corporation. "We really hope that after this visit and negotiations with the country's top leaders, including my good friend Xi Jinping, our cooperation will only expand and we will not have any problems in the future with the development of new projects, especially in terms of creating and building facilities of your company, Belarusian facilities on the territory of Belarus," the head of state said.

He noted that the total investment in construction with the participation of CITIC Group in Belarus at the moment is $1.5 billion.

Alexander Lukashenko suggested that the corporation first of all concentrate on several areas of work in Belarus. First, at the construction of a mining and processing plant. “Everything that you said, that you asked and demanded, the Belarusian side implemented,” the head of state said.

The second direction is the continuation of the construction and development of facilities of the Belarusian National Biotechnology Corporation. The first stages of "BNBK-1" and "BNBK-2" were successfully implemented with the participation of Chinese partners. "We would like to continue the construction of a biotechnology cluster, a corporation in Belarus with its third stage for the deep processing of corn and the production of vitamins and other products. We really hope so. Xi Jinping had no rejection of this project. Because these are landmark projects," Alexander Lukashenko said.

Alexander Lukashenko stressed that Belarus and China are implementing a number of important projects such as BNBK, production of Geely and others. "These are very significant projects. For the whole world, for Europe. Together with China, we want to show through these projects that cooperation between Belarus and China is not just trade and the exchange of goods. It is the creation of high-tech companies and corporations," the Belarusian leader said.

The President noted that there are several other projects in the field of production and processing of agricultural products with the prospect of supplying the Chinese market. “We also have absolutely no opposition. On the contrary, in this regard, as in previous projects, you will receive serious support from the Belarusian authorities,” the Belarusian leader assured.

The topic of construction of "BNBK-3" was also discussed in Beijing by Minister of Agriculture and Food Igor Brylo. This project involves the organization of the production of vitamins, amino acids, starch products, glucose production. This will allow launching the production of fundamentally new products both for Belarus and for all CIS countries - vitamins (B2, B12, C) and new types of amino acids (valine, leucine, isoleucine).

“A few years ago, a state investment agency appeared in China, which assumed the role of a moderator of all such investment projects. our products. In particular, vitamins. We sorted out in detail each country where Belarus will sell. We agreed that we give them full information with a breakdown of each kilogram, each country. I have a very positive attitude that "BNBK -3" will be built in our country. This is a huge investment."

Another meeting of Alexander Lukashenko is with the leadership of the First Chinese Automobile Corporation FAV Group. It is one of the oldest and largest car manufacturers in China. The most famous brands of the corporation are Hongqi (Hongqi - translated as "red flag") and Jiefang (Jiefang) of China's passenger cars and commercial trucks, respectively. The Hongqi L series limousine has been selected as the official vehicle for major celebrations and events in China. By the way, it was the car of this brand that was provided by the Chinese side for use in the motorcade of the President of Belarus during a state visit to China.

“You know that we are extremely interested in the development of the automotive industry in Belarus. Yesterday, during negotiations with my friend Xi Jinping, I asked him to support my initiative to cooperate with your company. He told me that he supported it. He stressed: “This is a state company, I maintain contacts between Belarusian specialists and the company and, as far as it is necessary for the development of relations, I am ready to help," the President of Belarus told the details of the negotiations.

"You know our interest in you. You make good cars. If you have the desire and desire to work in Belarus, I am at your service. I would like us to create a real car in Belarus together with you. And if we want to get an effect and success, it must be done now, and very quickly, when the territories and markets for our future products have been vacated. I have one question: how do you look at this, given my and Xi Jinping's support?" Alexander Lukashenko said.

Chairman of the Board of the First Automobile Import-Export Corporation, General DIRECTOR of International Relations of the First Chinese Automobile Corporation Yang Dayong thanked for the meeting and emphasized the great attention to the development of cooperation. "We will very carefully and carefully implement this project, which was agreed between the heads of the countries," he assured.

ECONOMIC EFFECT

The total economic effect of the Belarusian-Chinese agreements reached and formalized during the current state visit of the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko to China, . "The total economic effect is estimated somewhere in the region of $3.56 billion in equivalent. It will not be in the moment, but all the agreements and processes that are underway, including those that were identified in Samarkand (in September 2022. - Note . BELTA), form such a total figure," said Nikolai Snopkov.

Thus, the signed package of documents opens up broader prospects for increasing the above economic effect in the foreseeable and near future.

There are good prospects for the development of trade cooperation. "We all know that $5.8 billion is a record turnover figure for 2022. I want to say with pleasure that January and 14 days of February this year are already giving us a 72% increase compared to last year in exports. We, in In principle, we have already reached about a billion in joint trade turnover in a month and a half," the First Deputy Prime Minister said.

This underlines the dynamism and the importance that China attaches to supporting and developing cooperation with Belarus. Such dynamics is important from the point of view of diversification of export deliveries.

NEW GEAR

Despite the fact that the past year 2022 was quite difficult in terms of the pandemic and China was relatively closed, the parties managed to achieve an increase in trade and exports of Belarusian products. In terms of growth in exports to China, Belarus has moved from 136th to 38th position, which is a very good indicator. “This indicates that today China is interested in buying our products, and Belarus has worked out the appropriate mechanisms, accreditation of our products for sale on the Chinese market. The Chinese consumer is well aware of Belarusian products and buys them with pleasure. Chinese buyers associate Belarus with quality and environmentally friendly goods," Belarusian Ambassador to China Yury Senko said in an interview with reporters.

Belarus and China are currently using a new mechanism for cooperation in trade, which has proven itself well based on the experience of last year. As Nikolai Snopkov explained, it consists in export and import applications: “For 2023, the export application is $2.2 billion. This is an additional $600 million by 2022. Typically, they are carried out through associations. us to sell goods.The second part is an import application: 107 companies have declared more than 700 positions, which include technological equipment, machine tools, raw materials.The same mechanism implies that associations help us find partners who will supply our market with the necessary currently equipment and raw materials.

"We tested this mechanism last year, it showed its effectiveness. This billion in a month and a half also indicates that the mechanism is working and efficient," the First Deputy Prime Minister noted.

SUPPLY GROWTH

A decent part is formed by supplies through the agro-industrial complex. And in the next year, as Minister Igor Brylo said, they are planned to be almost doubled. By the end of 2022, Belarus supplied over $500 million worth of food to China. “This is an increase of more than 40%. But these are still not the same numbers. China is a huge country. We have set an ambitious goal for this year - to approach $900 million. I think we will cope with it," the head of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food said.

In China, the minister had fruitful meetings on various issues. "Today we sell beef, dry and whole MILK, poultry MEAT. I brought documents for the opening of enterprises (for supplies. - Approx. BelTA) for products that have undergone heat treatment. This applies. We brought documents for the opening of our canned products . And for us, children's, homogenized products are very important. This is the second block of questions," said Igor Brylo.

Two documents were signed with Chinese partners regarding the development of production in the agro-industrial complex in Belarus. "In particular, for the Minsk and Mogilev regions. The largest pig-breeding complex in Belarus for 300 thousand heads will be built in the Minsk region. This is a good project, very important for our country. And we will modify our beef cattle breeding based on the Mogilev region. First of all "construction of a separate slaughterhouse. About a thousand lightweight sheds will be built for keeping Aberdeen Angus cattle or a limousine. So far, the priority of the Chinese is on Aberdeen Angus. A rather capacious conversation, and good intentions have been signed. This is already such a roadmap for cooperation specifically Ministry of Agriculture with their colleagues from China," said Igor Brylo.

An equally important strategic commodity is potash fertilizers. Nikolai Snopkov shared the details, talking about the negotiations with the main Chinese importers in terms of volumes and prices. “I can’t tell you about specific numbers right now, but I can assure you that this is a significant increase in volumes. And we are very happy about this. We all felt how important food is in the context of unprecedented and stupid sanctions and how important that product, potash fertilizers, is our country owns," he said.

"ONE WINDOW"

As it became known, in cooperation with China in the field of medicine and healthcare, it is planned to conclude agreements with major strategic partners, through which work will be organized with other companies. This is reminiscent of the "one window" principle. "He is both a strategist and our representative. How deliveries will be carried out through the" one-stop shop, "the First Deputy Prime Minister noted. In this case, we mean, for example, the purchase of equipment and pharmaceutical substances in China. A similar approach - the search for a strategic partner - is planned to be used in the development of cooperation with China in the field of information and communication technologies.

Minister of HEALTH of Belarus Dmitry Pinevich shared some details of cooperation with China in the field of medicine with journalists. "We have already held a fairly large number of meetings on the eve of the visit, not only and not so much in Beijing. We were in two provinces and signed a number of agreements. In particular, on the supply of medical equipment and medical products. On the work on the supply of substances and a whole a number of medicines produced in China with the aim of further localization in our country. There was a meeting with the association of manufacturers based on the Sinopharm company, which is familiar to all of us," the head of the department said.

According to him, before the visit of the head of state, meetings were held at the Ministry of Health of China, where issues of strategic cooperation were discussed. "Most of the talk was about how to develop relations in the future. Particular attention was paid to the development of the Great Stone industrial park, where it is planned to localize the production of medical equipment, medical products, traditional Chinese medicine. We plan to build medical centers that will, among other things, traditional Chinese medicine and that medicine, European in our understanding, which is also quite well developed in China," the minister said.

In general, Dmitry Pinevich added, China is showing great interest in those positions where Belarus has accumulated high-tech advanced experience. For example, to transplantology, traumatology, cardiac surgery.