An international flight linking Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu province, with the Belarusian capital of Minsk, is expected to be launched in 2015, according to a memorandum of cooperation signed by the two sides on July 8 in Lanzhou.

Gansu provincial Vice-Governor and host of the ceremony, Huang Qiang, discussed the details of opening a new flight route with a senior official of the Belarus Ministry of Transport.

According to Gansu officials, Gansu is situated in the core position of the Asia-Europe continental bridge and Silk Road; it also enjoys economic development advantages, based on its geographical location. The province is making clear efforts to speed up the construction of the Silk Road Economic Belt - an economic zone connecting China's Northwest (including Gansu) with western Asia and Europe – namely, by improving transportation conditions. Improved transportation conditions between Gansu and Belarus is expected to facilitate mutual trade and achieve a win-win situation.

Attendees of the signing ceremony included the head of Gansu province, Liu Weiping; Gansu provincial Party Chief, Wang Sanyun; and the Deputy Prime Minister of Belarus.