30th Anniversary of Belarus-Pakistan Diplomatic Relations to Mark Milestone in Bilateral Ties: Ambassador
Published on: July 1, 2024.
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Ambassador of the Republic of Belarus to Pakistan, Andrei Metelitsa, recently expressed that the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Belarus and Pakistan will be a significant milestone for bilateral ties. In an exclusive interview with the APP, he emphasized that the diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations between the two countries have been exemplary over the past three decades.
Ambassador Metelitsa highlighted that 2024 holds special significance for Belarus as it marks the 80th anniversary of the country’s liberation from Nazi invaders. He also mentioned that Belarus celebrates its Independence Day on July 3, which commemorates the liberation of its capital, Minsk, in 1944.
When asked about the potential for further development of trade and economic cooperation between Belarus and Pakistan, Ambassador Metelitsa expressed optimism. He stated that both countries have the opportunity to engage in various economic sectors, including agriculture, textiles, light engineering, tractors, trucks, leather, sports equipment, and surgical instruments.
Belarus primarily exports tractors, spare parts, trucks, potash, synthetic yarns, synthetic fibers, tires, machine tools, and baby food to Pakistan. On the other hand, Pakistan exports rice, vegetables, fruits, food products, leather products, fabrics, textiles, sports equipment, surgical instruments, and manicure sets to Belarus.
Ambassador Metelitsa mentioned that Belarus has always supported Pakistan and provided humanitarian aid during times of crises. He specifically referred to the assistance provided to Pakistani friends affected by destructive floods in June-October 2022. He emphasized that Belarus remains committed to strengthening a sustainable and friendly partnership with Pakistan in all spheres of mutual interest.
In terms of the connection between the top leadership of Belarus and Pakistan, Ambassador Metelitsa highlighted the meetings between President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus and Prime Minister Muhhammad Shahbaz Sharif of Pakistan. These meetings, which took place in September and October 2022 on the sidelines of the SCO in Samarkand and CICA in Astana, resulted in an agreement to intensify bilateral cooperation.
The Ambassador emphasized the importance of visits by heads of state and government in fostering new joint projects and activities. He mentioned that thorough preparations are made to ensure the effectiveness, particularly in economic terms, of such visits.
In January 2023, the 6th meeting of the Joint Belarusian-Pakistani Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation took place as a preparatory event to the bilateral summit. Additionally, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus visited Pakistan in May 2023. The two countries have been negotiating several draft treaties and contracts in various sectors, including a draft Road Map for trade facilitation in the next three years. These documents are expected to be signed during the upcoming visit of the Belarusian Head of State to Pakistan.
The specific timing, program, and economic content of the visit will be discussed during political consultations at the deputy foreign ministers’ level on July 2 in Islamabad.
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