China, Belarus pledge to strengthen anti-terrorism cooperation

A senior Belarussian military official pledged in Beijing on Thursday to boost anti-terrorism cooperation with China ahead of the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit.

P. Tihonovski, chief of the general staff of the Belarussian armed forces, made the remarks during a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Chen Bingde.

Tihonovski recalled a terrorist bombing that occurred in the Belarussian capital of Minsk in April, saying that Belarus and China face a "common enemy" in terrorism.

The April 11 bombing at a subway station in Minsk killed 14 people and left some 200 people injured.

As a parter of the SCO, Belarus hopes to enhance cooperation with China in jointly combating terrorism, he said.

Chen praised the healthy development of bilateral relations ever since the two countries established diplomatic ties 19 years ago.

China appreciates the support of Belarus on issues concerning Taiwan, Tibet, Xinjiang and human rights, Chen said.

Chen called on both sides to enhance bilateral military cooperation and exchanges in order to enrich bilateral relations.

Tihonovski said Belarus has always treated its cooperation with China as a priority in its foreign policies.

Belarus is satisfied with the development of bilateral military relations and is willing to advance practical cooperation between the two armed forces, Tihonovski said.

Tihonovski arrived in Beijing on Wednesday to begin a five-day official visit to China at the invitation of Chen.

Tihonovski also met with Guo Boxiong, vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission, on Thursday.

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