BEIJING, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping on Wednesday met Belarussian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko, who is in Beijing for Chinese commemorations of the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II.

Hailing the strength of their partnership, Xi said China and Belarus have been cooperating in many areas and supporting each other's core interests.

"China will always be a sincere friend and reliable partner of Belarus," vowed the Chinese president, who visited Belarus in May.

Calling Belarus an important partner in building the Silk Road Economic Belt, Xi urged joint efforts towards this regional trade and infrastructure network, as well as towards a planned China-Belarus industrial park.

Lukashenko hailed the Chinese people's contribution to World War II, also vowing to cement Belarus's relationship with China and promote progress in the industrial park.