A new Belarus-China Geological Cooperation Centre has been inaugurated at the Scientific and Production Centre for Geology in Minsk, solidifying the partnership between Belarus and China in advancing geological sciences.

The initiative marks a new milestone in collaborative efforts to drive geological research, innovation, and exchange, as reported by
BeLTA, a partner of TV BRICS.

Attendees at the opening ceremony included the Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection, Sergey Maslyak, the Chinese Ambassador to Belarus, Zhang Wenchuan, as well as officials from the Xi’an Geological Centre of the China Geological Survey and the Belarusian Scientific and Production Centre for Geology.

During his opening remarks, Minister Maslyak highlighted that this centre will be a platform for exchanging scientific and technical expertise.

Ambassador Zhang also underscored the centre’s significance for fostering Sino-Belarusian cooperation. Looking ahead, Zhang expressed confidence that the centre would not only play an essential role in Belarus-China bilateral relations but would also contribute to broader goals within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

A landmark action plan for 2024-2025 was signed during the inauguration by the heads of the Belarusian and Chinese geological research centres. The plan outlines several collaborative projects aimed at achieving significant advancements in geological research and technology exchange.

According to Belarus’s Ministry of Natural Resources, the foundation for this centre was laid in September 2023, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on geological collaboration during the Eurasian Forum on International Cooperation in Earth Sciences and Investment in Green Sustainable Mining. Additionally, an online meeting in March 2024 saw Chinese Geological Survey specialists and Belarusian ministry representatives draft an agreement to establish the cooperation centre.

Photo:
iStock