President Hu Jintao and Belarusian President Alexander Grigorievich Lukashenko, who arrived on Sunday on a three-day official visit, issued a joint statement on Tuesday pledging to promote relations and to enhance cooperation.

They agreed that to cement and promote relations accords with the fundamental interests of both nations and peoples, and is conducive for safeguarding peace, stability and development of the region and the world at large.

According to the statement, both sides are satisfied with the healthy and fruitful development of bilateral relations, which have entered a new phase of all-round development and strategic cooperation.

They said they are ready to maintain active momentum of high-level visits and exchanges, and will continue close cooperation on major issues concerning national independence, sovereignty, consolidation, territorial integrity and national dignity, in an effort to safeguard the fundamental interests of both nations.

Lukashenko promised to firmly support the "one-China" policy, oppose "Taiwan independence" in any form, oppose Taiwan joining the UN and other international organizations, and not set up official links with or sell weapons to Taiwan.

The statement said China respects Belarus' choices in its independent foreign and domestic policy, and supports its efforts to safeguard social stability and promote economic and social progress.

China welcomed Belarus to take part in development of China's western region and the strategy to revitalize northeast China and other old industrial bases, said the statement.

Both sides said they will maintain frequent consultations within the framework of international and regional organizations, promote cooperation in issues concerning anti-terrorism, human rights and the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, and support international efforts on the Middle East peace process and Iraq's reconstruction.

According to the statement, Hu accepted an invitation offered by his Belarusian counterpart to visit Belarus, and the date will be set through diplomatic channels.

(Xinhua News Agency December 7, 2005)