MINSK (Agencies): Pakistan and Belarus have solidified their bilateral ties by signing a series of memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and agreements aimed at boosting cooperation across key sectors, including defense, commerce, and environmental protection. The agreements were signed during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s official visit to Belarus, underscoring the commitment of both nations to enhance collaboration.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko to review progress on bilateral cooperation. Delegation-level talks covered a range of topics, including regional and international issues, further strengthening relations between the two nations. These discussions followed high-level engagements earlier in the year, such as the 8th session of the Pakistan-Belarus Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) in February and a visit by a ministerial delegation to Belarus in April.
Key agreements signed during the visit include a Readmission Agreement and cooperation accords between the interior ministries and defense ministries of both nations. Notably, a “Program (Roadmap) of Military-Technical Cooperation” between Belarus’s State Authority for Military Industry and Pakistan’s Ministry of Defense Production was agreed upon for the 2025–2027 period. Additional agreements focused on environmental protection, trade development, postal services, business support, and collaboration between trade bodies.
At a ceremony, Prime Minister Sharif emphasized Belarus’s expertise in manufacturing mining equipment and the potential for collaboration to develop Pakistan’s vast mineral resources. He proposed direct air links to strengthen bilateral ties and thanked President Lukashenko for accommodating skilled Pakistani laborers in Belarus. Sharif also stressed the need for joint ventures to produce affordable agricultural equipment for Pakistan’s farmers, aligning with his commitment to strengthening the agriculture sector.
- Pakistan-Belarus Business Forum Highlights Economic Opportunities
Coinciding with Sharif’s arrival, the second Pakistan-Belarus Business Forum was held in Minsk, marking a pivotal step in advancing trade relations. The forum brought together government officials, business leaders, and stakeholders from both nations to explore opportunities in sectors such as technology, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and e-commerce.
Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan praised the outcomes of the JMC and the newly signed cooperation agreement between the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BelCCI). This agreement aims to facilitate participation in trade exhibitions, B2B events, and market intelligence exchange to promote collaboration. Belarusian investors were also invited to explore Pakistan’s Special Economic Zones, which offer attractive incentives and access to a market of over three billion people.
With annual trade volumes between $50–65 million, both nations are committed to removing trade barriers and encouraging private sector involvement. The forum emphasized joint ventures in textile machinery, renewable energy, agro-processing, and information technology as key areas of mutual interest.
The agreements signed and initiatives launched during this visit signal a new era of strengthened Pakistan-Belarus relations, with tangible outcomes expected to unfold in the coming months. Both countries are optimistic about deepening their strategic partnership and advancing mutual economic interests.