Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing as part of his state visit to China on Wednesday.

Following talks, the two leaders adopted a joint statement on the main principles of developing a comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Belarus, as reported by the Belarusian state news agency, Belta.

Lukashenko reaffirmed his support for China’s initiatives in international security and development.

“Belarus has been actively proposing peace and fully supports your initiative on international security,” said Lukashenko.

Lukashenko also met with Li Zhanshu, the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress.

Li Zhanshu, for his part, expressed that “Belarus declared 2023 the Year of Peace and Creation, which confirms the country’s commitment to peace and development.”