Pakistan, Belarus agree to bolster economic, trade ties

Pakistan and Belarus on Tuesday agreed on the early realization of bilateral accords to enhance cooperation in trade, agriculture, food, defence and technology to monetize the decades-old political bilateral relations.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko, addressing a joint press stakeout following their bilateral meeting and delegation-level talks in Islamabad, said that both sides had reached an agreement to solidify the understanding reached between the two leaders and convert them into agreements by February next year.

Earlier, both leaders witnessed the exchange of important agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), encompassing cooperation in environmental protection, disaster management, halal trade, audit institutions, financial intelligence sharing, vocational education and science & technology.

One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the signing of the “Roadmap for Comprehensive Cooperation between Pakistan and Belarus for 2025-2027,” which outlines a strategic framework for enhancing economic ties through high-level meetings, inter-governmental commissions, and targeted collaborative initiatives.

Talking to the media, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif referred to the closeness between Pakistan and Belarus and said that in their “productive” bilateral meeting and the delegation-level talks, they discussed the cooperation in multiple sectors including commerce, tourism, defence, food and others.

He lauded President Lukashenko’s commitment to turning the bilateral understandings into practical agreements and actions.

The prime minister told the media that the two sides would sit together later in the day to finalise the roadmap for cooperation in agriculture, joint ventures, mining and minerals, IT and possibilities for heavy machinery manufacturing. This will follow another discussion in Minsk to finalize and make arrangements for agreements to be signed in February next year by him and President Lukashenko to convert them into concert actions.

The prime minister said that their meeting also featured a discussion on the heart-wrenching situation in Gaza where 45,000 people had been killed while the ceasefire could not yet take place despite the UN resolutions and the ruling by the International Court of Justice.

Expressing gratitude to the Belarusian president for the Kashmir cause, he said global peace would remain a far cry until the issues were resolved.

In his remarks, President Lukashenko said both sides discussed the ways to realize the MoUs signed bytwo sides and also appreciated Prime Minister Shehbaz’s vision and approach to turning the bilateral understanding into actions.

He said Pakistan and Belarus had decades-old political and diplomatic relations which necessitated to monetise these ties for the benefit of the two peoples and utilise immense potential.

He expressed his country’s willingness to share technology with Pakistan in different areas of expertise and also assured support to work on the agreed areas of cooperation.

One-on-one meeting

Pakistan and Belarus have reaffirmed the commitment to further strengthen their economic and trade relations.

This came after one-on-one meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko in Islamabad.

Both leaders expressed satisfaction over the positive progress in all aspects of Pakistan-Belarus relations during the past decade.

In his remarks, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan attaches importance to its relations with Belarus.

He expressed the confidence that the visit of Belarusian President will be immensely helpful in opening new avenues of cooperation and partnership between the two countries.

The Prime Minister informed the visiting dignitary about Pakistan's economic recovery policy, which focuses on export-led growth and attracting investment from friendly countries.

The two leaders also discussed regional and international issues.

Guard of honour

President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko on Tuesday was accorded a guard of honour at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad where he arrived to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and hold delegation-level talks.

As President Lukashenko arrived at the venue of the formal welcome reception, Prime Minister Shehbaz warmly received him.

The national anthems of Pakistan and Belarus were played as the dignitary stood at the salute dais.

A formal welcome ceremony in honour of President of the Republic of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko was held.

A smartly turned out contingent of armed forces presented guard of honour to the visiting dignitary.

Later, Prime Minister Shehbaz and President Lukashenko introduced their respective delegations to each other before proceeding for the bilateral meeting and delegation-level talks.

The Belarusian president also planted a sapling in the lawn of the PM House.

One-on-one meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Belarusian President will be followed by delegation-level talks between the two sides.

Pakistan and Belarus will exchange various memoranda of understanding and agreements, and the two leaders will also issue a joint declaration.