Islamabad (TDI): Pakistan and Belarus have agreed to enhance cooperation in the fields of investment, agriculture, trade, and defence, the state-run APP said on Tuesday.
This was said in a statement issued after the joint press conference of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko.
“Both sides agreed to expedite the implementation of bilateral agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), with final agreements scheduled to be signed in February 2025,” it said.
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The premier welcomed the Belarusian president, who he noted was visiting the country after an eight-year gap.
“The people of Pakistan regard Belarus as a close ally and deeply value its support and leadership. Pakistan is like a second home for President Lukashenko,” he said.
During his visit, the two sides held comprehensive discussions in one-on-one and delegation-level meetings, covering investment, trade, tourism, defence, and other critical areas of mutual interest.
He was hopeful that the agreements between the two countries would be swiftly operationalized.
“Both sides will finalize a roadmap together, enhancing collaboration in agricultural machinery, IT, minerals, and joint ventures. Teams from both countries will reconvene in two weeks to take practical steps towards implementation. The final agreements will be signed in Belarus in February 2025, marking a new chapter in our bilateral cooperation,” he added.
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PM Shehbaz also condemned Israeli aggression in Palestine, highlighting that over 45,000 people, including women and children, have been killed in Gaza. He urged global action, emphasizing that despite UN resolutions and International Court of Justice rulings, a ceasefire has yet to be achieved.
On Kashmir, the premier expressed hope for Belarus’ support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.
“Even after 75 years, Kashmiris have been denied their fundamental rights. Resolving the Kashmir dispute is essential for regional peace,” he added.
Belarus ‘interest in Pakistan’s textile and export sectors’: Lukashenko
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko thanked PM Shehbaz and the Pakistani government for their warm reception and hospitality. He emphasized the strong ties between the two nations, noting significant discussions on a roadmap for future collaboration, including multiple agreements and MoUs.
He praised the premier as a pragmatic and visionary leader committed to implementing agreements promptly.
“We are working on modern projects that align with current global demands, and Pakistan and Belarus share 30 years of strong diplomatic relations. We must advance constructive diplomacy for mutual benefit,” he stated.
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The Belarusian President highlighted discussions on transportation and logistics corridors during his visit. He also emphasized the importance of public welfare projects and underscored Belarus’ interest in Pakistan’s textile and export sectors. Additionally, he noted the potential for mutual support in technology, agriculture, and defence production.
President Lukashenko reiterated his commitment to building a future-oriented partnership, saying, “We must work together on innovative projects and enhance collaboration in key sectors for the benefit of our peoples.”
