ISLAMABAD: Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko arrived in Pakistan on Monday for a significant three-day official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and fostering cooperation across various sectors. The high-level delegation accompanying President Lukashenko includes prominent ministers, businessmen, and industry leaders, marking a major step in enhancing ties between the two nations.
Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation
The visit is expected to yield multiple agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) that will further deepen collaboration in trade, energy, agriculture, and technology. According to the Pakistan Foreign Office, the visit will also focus on exploring new avenues for partnership, especially in sectors where both countries can leverage their strengths.
President Lukashenko is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for high-level discussions on enhancing bilateral ties and exploring opportunities for joint ventures and investment.
Business Forum and Trade Agreements
The visit kicked off with a vibrant Pakistan-Belarus Business Forum in Islamabad, where eight business-to-business MoUs were signed. These agreements aim to bolster trade and investment in critical sectors like energy, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and telecommunications.
Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan highlighted the untapped potential between Pakistan and Belarus, emphasizing that the current trade volume does not reflect the economic capabilities of both countries. He urged the removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers to enhance market access and encourage investment.
Notably, the minister pointed to Belarusian tractors as a symbol of strength in Pakistan’s agricultural sector, and expressed interest in expanding cooperation in manufacturing and information technology. He also mentioned that Pakistan is eager to attract foreign investment, particularly in energy, infrastructure, and agriculture.
Expanding Trade in Key Sectors
Belarusian Energy Minister Alexei Kushna-Renko spoke with optimism about expanding trade relations, highlighting the demand for Belarusian agricultural machinery and industrial products in Pakistan. He also noted that there is a growing market in Belarus for Pakistani light industrial goods and food products, signaling new opportunities for trade between the two nations.
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Security and Protests
The timing of President Lukashenko’s visit coincided with heightened security in Islamabad, following protests called by the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. Authorities have implemented strict security measures, sealing off Islamabad’s Red Zone, which houses key government offices and the diplomatic enclave. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi assured the public that protesters attempting to disrupt the visit would face arrest, and emphasized the government’s commitment to maintaining law and order during the high-profile visit.
Looking Ahead
This visit is seen as a turning point in Pakistan-Belarus relations, with both countries eager to capitalize on the mutual benefits of closer cooperation. The Foreign Office expressed hope that this visit would lay the groundwork for stronger ties and pave the way for future collaborations. Additionally, both nations are expected to reaffirm their commitment to working together on multilateral forums, further enhancing diplomatic and economic ties.
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