Belarus President Alexander Grigorievich Lukashenko said Monday in Beijing that his country resolutely supports Beijing's bid to host the 2008 Olympic games.

At a meeting with Beijing Mayor Liu Qi, Lukashenko said that Belarus will spare no effort to help Beijing in the bid, adding that he believes Beijing will surely win.

Lukashenko noted that Belarus and China have long established close relations and the capital cities of the two countries have also set up friendly ties.

He said that he expects Beijing and Minsk to further strengthen bilateral trade and economic relations.

Liu said that China and Belarus enjoy a deep traditional friendship. He described Belarus' support to Beijing's Olympic bid as a great encouragement to the Chinese capital city.

Liu said that he agrees with the Belarus president on the point that the two capital cities should further enhance their friendly cooperation.

The Beijing mayor also briefed the guest on Beijing's economic development and urban planning.

Lukashenko arrived here Sunday night for a three-day state visit at the invitation of President Jiang Zemin.

(People's Daily 04/23/2001)