MINSK: Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, known for his close ties with Moscow, is scheduled to visit China on Sunday and Monday to engage in discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping, as announced by the Belarusian presidency.
The talks, slated for Monday, are expected to cover a range of topics, including trade, the economy, investment, and international cooperation. The presidency’s statement on Sunday did not confirm whether Lukashenko had already arrived in Beijing.
Belarusian President Seeks to Strengthen Ties with China
This visit comes as Lukashenko seeks to strengthen ties with China, a key ally, and follows his previous visit at the end of February and early March. The earlier trip garnered attention against the backdrop of Russia’s military offensive in Ukraine, although the current statement from Belarus did not reference the ongoing conflict.
Belarus shares borders with both Ukraine and Russia, and its political and financial dependence on these neighboring countries adds complexity to its geopolitical position. The visit to China underscores Lukashenko’s diplomatic efforts to diversify international partnerships.
