China, Belarus hold friendship concert in Brussels

The bilateral ties between China and Belarus have witnessed leapfrog development since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992. The two countries built a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2016 featuring mutual trust and win-win cooperation.

As one of the first countries that participated in the Belt and Road Initiative, a program to build connectivity in the regions from Asia to Europe and Africa, Belarus has deepened and enriched cooperation with China, according to Cao.

The China-Belarus Industrial Park is a key example under the BRI framework. The number of businesses it hosts is expected to reach 60 by the end of this year.

Aleksandr Mikhnevich, the Belorussian ambassador to Belgium, said China and Belarus now have a regular exchange of top-level visits and the next one will be the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, which will take place in Beijing next week.

"I hope that exchanges in art, culture and other areas will transcend the differences and distances between us and build a strong bond of friendship between the Chinese and Belorussian people," Cao said.

Dong Yuwen and Chen Wenxin contributed to this story.