Belarus and China have enormous potential for mutually beneficial relations, joint responses to systemic changes in the international environment. This was stated today by Director of the Belarusian Institute of Strategic Researche Oleg Makarov at the international online conference "Belarus and China: a common development trajectory", BelTA said.
"Holding such conferences has already become a tradition. We believe that such interaction should become regular, which will facilitate expert opinions and findings exchange. I am sure that direct online communication will enable its participants to strengthen their contacts, and foster expert diplomacy in general", Oleg Makarov stressed. "To date, expert diplomacy is gaining momentum, and the importance of think tanks has been growing in an unpredictable world is considerably increasing. There is no doubt that Belarusian and Chinese think tanks would facilitate the search for new growth points between our countries. We wish to thank all our Chinese partners for their willingness to develop an expert dialogue".
By his words, the Belarusian-Chinese cooperation has demonstrated that two different states have enormous potential for mutually beneficial relations, joint responses to systemic changes in the international environment. "The absolute priority in cooperation between our countries is to counter the negative impact of the pandemic as soon as possible and to adapt to the new realities of inter-states relations", the expert said.
The BISR Director noted that the conference is held inside the Year of Regions of Belarus and China, and before the 30th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries. "In the run-up to the CPC's 100th anniversary, I wish to emphasize an impressive progress in the development of the People's Republic of China. First, in the hard conditions the Chinese government were able to meet the basic and social needs of society, including poverty eradication. Second, the Chinese state has retained its social focus and justice in society, concern about the interests of its citizens", he said.
According to Oleg Makarov, international relations have encountered significant transformations. "The COVID-19 pandemic has changed significantly the global landscape. Today, the world is facing a number of new challenges, such as global recession, the confrontation of the world centers of power. The situation in international relations, the growing trend towards separation of countries - deglobalization - require joint elaboration of adequate solutions and mobilising new opportunities for joint development. We have to proceed from the fact that new relations should be based not only on pragmatic elements of profitable trade but also on elements of support, spiritual unity, affinity, political ideals and social standards", the BISR Director said.
"I am sure that as the expert and analytical community representatives, we can play a more important role in studying social and political issues, making forecasts and building strategies, and developing practical proposals for decision-makers. The Belarusian expert community shows a keen interest in exploring China's experience in different areas", Oleg Makarov added. "As for the BISR, the issues of party building and regional development of China are of high interest to us. I hope that once our countries overcome pandemic restrictions, we will be able to resume mutual visits, continue face-to-face communication and enhance the legal framework of our cooperation".