Events

Belarus, China plan to hold two regional forums in 2027

MINSK, 13 August (BelTA) - Belarus and China plan to hold two regional forums in 2027, Sergei Aleinik, Chairman of the Standing Committee on International Affairs and National Security of the Council of the Republic told the media, following a meeting with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of China to Belarus Zhang Wenchuan, BelTA has learned.

According to Sergei Aleinik, the meeting reviewed the results and outlined key areas for the development of bilateral relations, which are currently at their peak and serve as an example of all-weather strategic partnership. “The foundation of this cooperation is the strong relationship between our leaders and regular high-level contacts, as well as the intensification of interparliamentary dialogue. In particular, following the successful third meeting of the High-Level Committee on Cooperation between the legislative bodies of the two countries in June, the parties discussed the prospects for holding its fourth meeting next year, which is expected to be filled with concrete economic, socio-humanitarian, and interregional content,” he said.

Special attention was paid to the positive momentum of trade and economic cooperation: over five years, trade and Belarusian exports to China have doubled. However, both sides are convinced that this is far from the limit, and the potential for further cooperation remains enormous.

Particular emphasis was placed on interregional cooperation. “We highly appreciate the successful experience of the first Forum of Regions of Belarus and China, held in early July in Gansu Province, which concluded with the signing of around 40 bilateral documents and contracts, already delivering tangible economic results. Next year, two more regional forums are planned, and their maximum effectiveness will require serious joint preparatory work,” Sergei Aleinik emphasized.

The parties also discussed specific bilateral agenda items, including an invitation from China to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization forum on traditional medicine, to be held in September in China with the participation of representatives of the Council of the Republic. “This event will strengthen cooperation not only with China but also with all SCO partners,” Sergei Aleinik said.

An agreement was confirmed to hold an SCO forum on sustainable development in Minsk on 2 November, with national sustainable development coordinators from all SCO member states invited.

Zhang Wenchuan noted that today’s meeting was very productive. “It is always a pleasure to communicate with Sergei Aleinik, our great friend. The fact that we are actively working even during the holiday period fully demonstrates the high level and dynamics of cooperation between China and Belarus, as well as between our legislative bodies,” the ambassador emphasized. “We reviewed the results of the first half of the year and outlined plans for both the second half of the year and the next year. In the near future, we will participate in mutual visits through our legislative bodies. We have received the relevant invitations and, in turn, are also inviting our Belarusian friends from the Council of the Republic. We will jointly and thoroughly prepare for these visits.”

The parties also intend to strengthen interregional cooperation and develop ties between youth and various specialized structures. “We particularly want to intensify economic cooperation with Belarus and establish joint work even before the upcoming visits, by holding various joint events. In addition, we will continue to strengthen cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization,” the ambassador said.