Aleksandr Lukashenko meets with member of Central Committee of China's Communist Party Xu Caihou

Belarus is in favor of closer military cooperation with China, President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he met with Vice-Chairman of the Central Military Commission of China, member of the Secretariat of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party Xu Caihou.

The President also gave his best wishes to Chairman of the People's Republic of China Hu Jintao for his personal support of Belarus. "Tell him that we remember the great support and assistance, which he personally provided and provides to our people," Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed.

The President hailed the level of the Belarusian-Chinese military cooperation. "It is a pleasure for me to meet with the delegation of the People's Republic of China," Aleksandr Lukashenko said. “I have the opportunity to thank you for great help and support that you provide not only to our army but to the whole country,” the President underscored while addressing the guest.

The head of state stressed that the Defense Ministry of Belarus has very good relations with the leadership of the military commission of the People's Republic of China. I want these relations to be fostered and enhanced," Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

“We are aware of your great contribution to the development of cooperation between the military departments of the two countries. It is not just words of support but also certain assistance which was demonstrated at the Independence Day parade,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

The President stressed that in this connection the decision was taken to award Xu Caihou the Order of Friendship of Peoples.

This is a rare case when this high state award is presented to a representative of another state.

Xu Caihou said that the award is the acknowledgement of not only his efforts but the activities of the whole military commission of China to promote cooperation with Belarus.

On behalf of Hu Jintao, Xu Caihou conveyed the best wishes to the Belarusian people and the Belarusian leader.

Xu Caihou underscored that China will continue strengthening friendship and boosting ties with the Republic of Belarus.