On November 5, 2007, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao held talks in Minsk with Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko.

During the talks, Wen said this year marks the 15th anniversary of the establishment of China-Belarus diplomatic ties. Bilateral ties have enjoyed sound development in the past 15 years with both sides respecting each other and treating each other as equals. Both China and Belarus maintain that all countries, big or small, rich or poor, strong or weak, should be equals. Both sides have also supplied each other's needs to seek common development, said the premier, noting that the steadily growing economic cooperation between the two countries has contributed to the economic development of both countries. Over the past 15 years, more than 50 cooperation documents have been signed between both sides and five pairs of cities from the two countries have forged friendly ties, he said, adding that the number of overseas students has increased from hundreds to thousands. All this shows that bilateral ties have entered into a new stage of comprehensive development, said the premier.

Highlighting Belarus' favorable geographic location as a communication hub linking the Eastern and Western Europe, Wen said China highly values its ties with Belarus and hopes to make concerted efforts to promote bilateral ties.

Extending his congratulations on the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, Lukashenko said China is a reliable friend of Belarus and plays a positive role in promoting the world peace and prosperity. "Belarus hopes to cement the exchange and friendly cooperation with China in the spirit of mutual benefit in an effort to push forward bilateral relations," Lukashenko told the Chinese premier.

The two leaders reached consensus in the following six aspects:

First, maintain exchanges at all levels, especially high-level contacts. Both sides should exchange views on bilateral ties and other key issues in a timely manner to deepen mutual understanding and trust, coordinate positions and safeguard common interest.

Second, enhance the scale and level of economic and trade cooperation. Both sides should further open market to each other, take earnest measures to encourage expanded mutual investment and facilitate investment by businesses. Both sides should also improve trade mix and increase proportion of high-tech, value-added products in bilateral trade. Efforts should be made to push forward cooperation on large projects and ensure the implementation of telecommunication, electric power and other key cooperation projects. Mechanisms should be launched to resolve, in a timely manner, problems emerging from bilateral economic and trade relations.

Third, strengthen scientific and technological cooperation. Both sides should support cooperation among their businesses and scientific research institutions on production, development and market expansion. The Chinese side will hold "China's Scientific and Technological Day" and Exhibition of Scientific and Technological Achievements in Belarus next year and Belarus will hold similar events in China at due time.

Fourth, expand cooperation between localities. Both sides should conduct more dynamitic exchanges between localities and encourage both countries' relevant provinces and states to forge friendly ties.

Fifth, strengthen humanistic exchanges. Both sides should promote educational and cultural exchanges and cooperation, encourage exchange of students, hold grand cultural events in each other and launch the Confucius Institute at Belarus State University at an early date.

Sixth, keep closer coordination in international and regional affairs. Both sides should strengthen contacts and coordination on such issues as the UN, counter-terrorism, human rights and anti-proliferation and jointly contribute to world and regional peace, stability and development.

Following the talks, the two leaders attended a signing ceremony of cooperation agreements concerning economy and culture. The two governments also issued a joint communiqué (full text to be found separately).

Prior to the talks, Lukashenko hosted a welcoming ceremony for Wen Jiabao at the square in front of the Presidential Palace.