On the morning of July 19, 2001, President Jiang Zemin held talks with Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko, during which they had an extensive and in-depth exchange of views on bilateral relations and major issues of common concern.

Extending warm welcome to Jiang, Lukashenko said that Jiang's state visit to Belarus will definitely enhance the mutual understanding and assistance and greatly advance the relations between China and Belarus. He expressed the wish that the People's Republic of China will continue to enjoy development and prosperity.

Lukashenko also congratulated President Jiang and the Chinese people on China's success in bidding for the 2008 Olympic Games not long ago.

Thanking President Lukashenko for his kind invitation, Jiang said that he had been very impressed by the friendly sentiments between the Belarussian and Chinese peoples ever since he landed on the Belarussian soil. He extended congratulations and good wishes to Lukasheko and the Belarussian people on the 10th anniversary of the independence of Belarus on which occasion great celebrations have been held in Belarus not long ago.

Jiang said that the two countries will mark the 10th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties next January, adding that China is very satisfied with the development of bilateral relations in the past 10 years. He noted that there have been mutual visits by the heads of state, speakers and Prime ministers between the two countries. He went on to say that the two countries have already set up basic framework and principles for bilateral cooperation in all fields. He added that bilateral high and new tech cooperation has got started smoothly and the two countries have conducted close cooperation in international affairs. He said that thanks to concerted efforts of the two countries, China and Belarus have forged all dimensional cooperative relations characterized with high-level trust and close cooperation, and guided by principles of mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit and non-interference in other country's internal affairs.

Jiang said that China has always paid great attention to developing relations with Belarus and respected the choice Belarus made on its development path and its internal and foreign policy in light of its own national conditions. He went on to say that China supports the efforts of Belarus to oppose any foreign interference and to safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity. He said that China is thankful of the staunch support from Belarus on questions of Taiwan, Tibet and human rights. He noted that China will work alongside Belarus to bring the full-range friendly and cooperative relations between China and Belarus to a higher level in the 21st century.

Lukashenko said Belarus will continue to follow the basic principles set in the course of bilateral relations over the past years. He said Belarus highly appreciates the support and help from China in international arena and in other areas. Lukashenko described China as a trustworthy friend who always stands side by side with Belarus under whatever circumstances.

Jiang noted that China-Belarus economic cooperation and trade has been going very smoothly in recent years. He pointed out that bilateral trade volume between China and Belarus hit 100 million U.S. dollars last year. President Lukasenko set the target of trade at 500 million U.S. dollars during his visit to China last April. Jiang said he agrees with President Lukashenko on the trade target, saying it is a very positive concept. Jiang said the two sides should conduct more direct trade and encourage businessmen of the two sides to have more contact and cooperation.

On the current world situation, Jiang said that multi-polarization and economic globalization are developing in a circuitous manner at the present stage, and the international situation is moving towards relaxation. He added that the world is by no means tranquil and the two major problems of peace and development still elude solutions. He noted that China and Belarus have the same concerns about a series of major international issues and have all along maintained close cooperation. He said that China stands ready to step up bilateral cooperation in the international arena and the two countries should work together to promote the establishment of a democratic, just and fair international political and economic new order so as to create a new world featuring ever-lasting peace and prosperity for all.

Lukashenko said the two sides share s the same or similar views on many international issues, like establishing a fair and rational new international political and economic order, upholding the basic principles governing international relations such as equality of sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries, maintaining the strategic balance and security of the world, and opposing any attempts to undermine the ABM Treaty. He also stressed that the two sides should step up cooperation and coordination on major international issues in the future.

The two leaders also exchanged views on matters relating to bilateral economic cooperation and trade and regional and international issues of mutual concern.

After the talks ended, President Jiang and President Lukashenko held a joint press conference.

Prior to the talks, President Lukashenko held a welcoming ceremony in honor of President Jiang.