Belarus can become gateway for China's EU expansion

Belarus is ready to give China an opportunity for economic expansion from its territory to the European Union, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said at a press conference in Minsk on Tuesday.

"You must be fully aware that you have a reliable friend in the center of Europe. If you want to develop cooperation with other countries from our territory, including the European Union, you can absolutely rely on us," Lukashenko told Xinhua while talking about Belarus-China relations.

Lukashenko stressed that China is a leading country today. "It is actually the second largest economy in the world and the largest state in terms of population. And I believe this century will witness the growing power of China ," he added.

However, Lukashenko said Belarus and China are friends, posing no threat to any other countries.

Though many people don't like the good relations between Belarus and China, which have always caused much controversy and confrontation, such a good relationship "is beneficial to us," the president added.