On the evening of 11 June, President Xi Jinping spoke with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on the phone.

Xi noted that the cooperation and mutual assistance enjoyed by China and Belarus since the start of COVID-19 has attested to the profound friendship between the two "iron brothers ", and reflected the unique strength of China-Belarus relationship. China firmly supports Belarus in adopting containment measures suited to its national conditions, and will continue to share China's experience, diagnostics and therapeutics with Belarus without reservation. Xi expressed confidence that under the strong leadership of President Lukashenko, the Belarusian people will prevail over the virus at an early date. He thanked Belarus for helping Chinese nationals studying, working and living in the country, and trusted that the Belarusian side will continue to take effective measures to protect their safety and health. China will strengthen cooperation with Belarus and the wider international community to build a global community of health for all.

Underlining the strength of the comprehensive strategic partnership featuring mutual trust and win-win cooperation between China and Belarus, and the support the two sides have offered each other without hesitation on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns, Xi applauded the all-weather partnership which is truly reflected in every aspect of the bilateral relationship. China will continue to support Belarus in following a development path suited to its national conditions. Despite the inevitable impact of COVID-19 on bilateral exchanges and practical cooperation, the foundation of China-Belarus relations remains solid, and potential for cooperation is still enormous. The two sides should turn challenges into opportunities, deepen the Belt and Road cooperation, and pursue greater progress in the China-Belarus Industrial Park and other areas of mutually-beneficial cooperation at a faster pace to take the bilateral relationship to a higher level.

Lukashenko expressed deep appreciation to China's long-term respect of the development path chosen by Belarus, and for playing an important role in his country's COVID-19 response by providing strong support and sharing valuable experience. Belarus and China are good friends and good brothers. Belarus strongly opposes politicizing and labeling the virus, and will continue to stand firmly with China on issues concerning China's core interests. Going forward, Belarus will work with China to harness the strength of the China-Europe Railway Express to expand bilateral trade, advance the Belt and Road cooperation and promote practical cooperation in various areas. Lukashenko also extended a warm invitation that he is looking forward to receiving President Xi again at an early date when COVID-19 is over.