Xi Jinping, Lukashenko meet in Beijing: what they discussed

This was reported by the Xinhua news agency and the Telegram channel Pul Pervogo, associated with Lukashenko's administration.

First, Xi noted that he and Lukashenko reached an important consensus on promoting high-level China-Belarus relations during Lukashenko's state visit to China earlier this year. Since then, the two countries have strengthened political mutual trust and international coordination.

"China is willing to continue to strengthen strategic coordination with Belarus, firmly support each other, promote practical cooperation and deepen bilateral relations," the Chinese leader said.

At the same time, Lukashenko said that Belarus has been, is and will be a reliable partner for China. 

"We know what our countries need. And we have done a lot in this regard. When I was preparing for this visit and questioning my colleagues about what needs to be done, what is not moving, I wanted to tell the President about it. However, we did not find a single issue that was not moving. The only issue I would like to discuss with you today is pace," the self-proclaimed president of Belarus said.

In turn, Xi noted that China and Belarus are "important forces in the reform and development of the global governance system," so his country is willing to strengthen cooperation with Belarus within multilateral mechanisms such as the UN and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and to promote the implementation of the Global Development, Security and Global Civilization Initiative.

The two leaders also exchanged views on the Russian-Ukrainian war.

The bilateral meeting lasted three times longer than planned - over three hours. The two leaders then exchanged gifts: Lukashenko was presented with apples from Hunan Province, and Xi Jinping received Belarusian chocolate. After the talks with the Chinese president, Lukashenko arrived at Peking University.

• Earlier, the media reported that, during his working visit to China, self-proclaimed President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko was to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping on December 3-4 to discuss cooperation.