China, Belarus to speed up practical cooperation: Chinese FM

China and Belarus will work together and speed up practical bilateral cooperation, visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here Wednesday.

During a meeting with his Belarusian counterpart Vladimir Makei, Wang recalled the upgrade of bilateral relations to the comprehensive strategic partnership in July 2013 under the leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, cooperation between China and Belarus has been on track for rapid development based on long-term mutual respect and support, said Wang.

Commending the two countries for supporting each other's key interests, Makei thanked China for its active assistance and contribution to the economic development of Belarus, and expressed his country's wish to further strengthen the win-win cooperation with China in all spheres.

Both sides agreed that the geographic advantage of Belarus could be used in building the Silk Road Economic Belt.

The two agreed that bilateral cooperation in major projects such as industrial parks could also be expanded to energy production, infrastructure, high-tech and credit financing.

Meanwhile, the ministers stressed that bilateral agreements should become the basis for mutual support and safeguarding common interests.

They also believe that the commemorative activities for the victory of the Second World War and the founding of the United Nations are opportunities for China and Belarus to safeguard historical facts and uphold international justice.

The ministers pledged that the two countries would work together to make the international order more just and equitable, while promoting a new type of international relations for win-win cooperation.

Wang also laid a wreath at the Victory Monument in central Minsk city on the day. Endite