During a telephone conversation, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko congratulated each other after the successful launch of the Belintersat-1, a telecom satellite designed by China for Belarus, on Saturday.

President Xi acknowledged that the launch not only marked the beginning of a strategic partnership between the two nations, but also opens the door for space collaboration. The telecom satellite carried by Long March-3B will help strengthen the economic growth of Belarus and potentially bring advancement to other Eastern European nations.

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Xi called for the strengthening of Sino-Belarusian relations and further collaboration in various fields. Meanwhile, President Lukashenko noted that the satellite launch marks an accomplishment between the two nations.

The Belarusian leader noted that the Belintersat-1, which features Chinese technology, will play a role in the development of Belarus. Lukashenko expressed hope that China will develop more space and communication technology that will be of benefit to everyone.

Belarus' Belintersat-1 satellite was launched at 12:57 a.m. on Saturday to a geostationary orbit from the Xichang satellite launching center. It is the very first satellite launched by China for a European country, although Belarus will be handling its operations. 

The satellite will support telecommunication services of the Eastern European country as well as neighboring countries. The Belintersat-1, which is equipped with 38 transponders, has a lifespan of up to 15 years. 

TagsBelintersat-1, Satellite, telecommunication service