President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko said that outside forces want to eliminate Russia and China as geopolitical rivals, BelTA reported.

His remarks came at a meeting with the leadership and operational staff of the state security bodies of the republic.

Lukashenko spoke about the attempt to redistribute spheres of influence in the region and the world and stated that this is indicated by the earlier attempt of external forces to change the political course of Belarus.

"It is obvious that the ultimate goal is Russia and China and their elimination as competitors on the geopolitical map of the world. The events that are taking place around Ukraine are direct proof of that," he said.

In this regard, the President noted that the "fault" of Belarus is only in the fact that it is located in the center of Europe. "It seems like a small country, but everyone has walked through it. Stumbling, falling, climbing, crawling, but walking," the president added.