On the afternoon of December 5, 2005, Chinese President Hu Jintao held talks with Belarussian President Alexander Grigorievich Lukashenko in the Great Hall of the People. Both sides exchanged in-depth views and reached broad consensus on bilateral relations, as well as international and regional issues of common interest.

Hu said that since the establishment of diplomatic ties 13 years ago, bilateral relations have been developing soundly and steadily. Both sides have shown trust and support for each other in the political area and conducted mutually beneficial cooperation for common development in the economic area. Bilateral exchanges and cooperation in other areas have been comprehensively conducted and scored remarkable achievements. Both sides have maintained mutual coordination and close cooperation in international and regional affairs, especially in the United Nations (UN) and other multilateral fields. Bilateral relations have entered a new stage of all-round development and strategic cooperation. China appreciates Belarus for its precious support on the Taiwan and other questions, respects the internal and external policies adopted and development road chosen by Belarus according to its national realities, supports Belarus's efforts in upholding state sovereignty and national dignity, safeguarding social stability and promoting economic and social development and supports Belarus's accession to the WTO at the earliest date possible.

Lukashenko said that both sides are far away from each other, but their broad common interest enables them to become sincere friends. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties, both sides have shown mutual support and assistance for each other and there are no political questions existing between them. Bilateral cooperation in the areas of economy and trade has maintained sound development momentum and both sides share identical views on international issues including the UN reform. Belarus thanks for China's efforts in promoting bilateral cooperation and support of Belarus's accession to the WTO. The Belarussian government will as always pursue the one-China policy and try to become one of China's active cooperative partners on the European continent.

Hu indicated that in the new situation of the new century, China would like to work with Belarus to push for all-round and in-depth development of bilateral relations in the following four aspects.

First, to maintain high-level exchanges and deepen mutual political trust. Both sides should strengthen their consultations and cooperation on major issues and safeguard common interest.

Second, to expand pragmatic cooperation and promote common development. Both sides should earnestly implement the agreements and cooperation programs already agreed upon. Efforts should be made to continuously expand cooperation area, optimize cooperation mix, enrich cooperation connotations and upgrade cooperation level.

Third, to expand exchanges and cooperation in the areas of humanities including culture, education, sports and tourism, strengthen bilateral friendly exchanges between youngsters and people from all walks of life and build up mutual understanding and traditional friendship between both peoples.

Fourth, to strengthen bilateral consultations and communication in international and regional affairs and jointly safeguard and promote world and regional peace, stability and development.

Lukashenko expressed full agreement with Hu's proposals on deepening bilateral cooperative relations. He said that Belarus would like to make joint efforts with China to actively advance in-depth development of bilateral relations and cooperation in various areas. Belarus acknowledges China's full market economy status. In recent years, bilateral trade has witnessed rapid growth and Belarus will continue efforts with China to increase the bilateral trade volume to 1 billion US dollars in the near future to come. Belarus would like to actively participate in China's strategy of developing its western region and rejuvenating the old industrial bases in the Northeast and further enhance bilateral exchanges and cooperation in the areas of culture, education and sports.

Following the talks, the two heads of state jointly signed the Joint Statement between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Belarus and attended the signing ceremony of 12 documents on bilateral economic and technological cooperation and other aspects.

Prior to the talks, President Hu held a ceremony in the North Hall of the Great Hall of the People to welcome President Lukashenko's visit to China. Among those who attended the ceremony were Vice Chairwoman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China He Luli, State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Bai Lichen, Vice Chairman of the Central Committee of the Revolutionary Committee of the Chinese Kuomingtang Zhu Peikang, Director of the State Development and Reform Commission Ma Kai, Minister of Commerce Bo Xilai, Chinese Ambassador to Belarus Wu Hongbin and other officials.