Pakistan, Belarus boost ties with 8 MoUs

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan and Belarus on Monday signed eight memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and agreements during ministerial-level talks held after the arrival of President Aleksandr Lukashenko for a three-day official visit to Islamabad.

President Lukashenko arrived at the Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi where he was received by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and senior officials.

"Delighted to welcome my dear friend Aleksandr Lukashenko, President of Republic of Belarus to Islamabad," Prime Minister Shehbaz wrote on X. "Looking forward to our discussions during this important visit," he added. "We will work together to further strengthen these [bilateral] ties."

The MoUs were signed after the 'Pakistan Belarus Business Forum' co-chaired by Commence Minister Jam Kamal Khan and Belarus Energy Minister Aleksei Kushnarenko. A large number of business leaders from both the countries attended the forum.

Officials reported that a five-year agreement was signed between pharmaceutical companies from Pakistan and Belarus, covering pharmacy registration, the supply of medicines, nutritional food, automobile products, veterinary medicines, and logistics.

An MoU was signed between the Green Corporation Initiative and the Tractor Works Company of Belarus.

Earlier on Sunday, a day ahead of President Lukashenko's arrival, a 68 member delegation, comprising several ministers and top businessmen reached Islamabad. On Monday, the Belarus minister opened their bilateral meetings with their Pakistani counterparts.

Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryznikov visited the Foreign Affairs Ministry and held talks with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. During the meeting, Dar reiterated Pakistan's commitment to promote mutually-beneficial cooperation between the two countries.

They expressed satisfaction with the bilateral exchanges and high-level visits between Pakistan and Belarus. The ministers also discussed important regional and global developments, including the situation in the Middle East. They expressed their support for the peaceful resolution of conflicts.

Both sides emphasised the need for an integrated approach to addressing the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The ministers agreed to further advance mutual interests, underscoring the importance of increasing cooperation in international and regional organisations to jointly address global challenges.

Another meeting was held between Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and Belarus Justice Minister Kovalenko Evgeny. The key discussion points included digitalisation of the legal system, capacity building for prosecutors and attorneys, legal education and awareness.

Both sides also exchanged views on legislative drafting and international cooperation, exchange of Bar councils and associations, International Mediation and Arbitration Centre (IMAC), and Case Assignment and Management System (CAMS).

Meanwhile, Information Minister Ataullah Tarar said that President Lukashenko's visit reflected the strong and growing partnership between the two countries, and it would have a positive impact on the country's economy, particularly the defence sector of Pakistan

He added that the MoUs signed with Belarus would enhance business-to-business (B2B) cooperation in various sectors. "In the coming days, cooperation in the agriculture sector will also increase," he added.

(WITH INPUT FROM APP)