Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in Beijing, describing their nations as "iron friends" during a meeting that lasted over three hours. The leaders reaffirmed their strong bilateral ties and cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, with Xi noting the relationship was at a historic high. Lukashenko's diplomatic engagements this week also included resisting deeper involvement in the Ukraine conflict and visiting Indonesia, while China continued bilateral outreach through a high-level cooperation forum.CCTV+6
Xi emphasized the deep strategic partnership between China and Belarus, pledging mutual support in development and international affairs. Both leaders committed to working together for global stability and prosperity. Lukashenko later resisted Russian efforts to involve Belarus more deeply in the Ukraine conflict, warning Russian officials against such moves.CCTV+3
The discussions in Beijing focused on enhancing cooperation under China's Belt and Road Initiative. This was followed by Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong addressing the China-Belarus Local Cooperation Forum, where he proposed deepening industrial, cultural, and institutional cooperation. The forum attracted 300 participants aiming to strengthen regional partnerships.CCTV+3
Lukashenko's diplomatic activities extended beyond China, including his visit to Indonesia where he met with President Prabowo Subianto. Meanwhile, Russian President Putin held energy cooperation talks with Kazakh President Tokayev, discussing implementation of agreements from Putin's May visit to Kazakhstan.The Japan Times+2
The extended Beijing talks and family-style lunch demonstrated the personal rapport between Xi and Lukashenko. The Belarusian leader's lighthearted comment about feeling at home underscored the warm bilateral atmosphere, while his subsequent travels showed active regional engagement.RIA Novosti+3