30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Belarus and Pakistan to mark important milestone for bilateral ties, says ambassador
Published on: July 1, 2024.
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Ambassador Andrei Metelitsa of the Republic of Belarus to Pakistan highlighted the importance of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Belarus and Pakistan, emphasizing that it would be a milestone for bilateral ties. In an exclusive interview, Ambassador Metelitsa praised the exemplary diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations between the two countries over the past three decades.
He also mentioned that 2024 is a special year for Belarus as it marks the 80th anniversary of its liberation from the Nazi invaders. The Independence Day of Belarus, which falls on July 3, commemorates the liberation of the capital city, Minsk, in 1944.
Ambassador Metelitsa expressed optimism about the potential for further development of trade and economic cooperation between Belarus and Pakistan, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, textiles, light engineering, tractors, trucks, leather, sports equipment, and surgical instruments. He noted that Belarus exports tractors and spare parts, trucks, potash, synthetic yarns and fibers, tires, machine tools, and baby food to Pakistan. On the other hand, Pakistan exports rice, vegetables, fruits, leather products, fabrics, textiles, sports equipment, surgical instruments, and manicure sets to Belarus.
The Ambassador highlighted Belarus’s support for Pakistan during times of crisis, mentioning their assistance during the destructive floods in June-October 2022. He expressed Belarus’s sincere interest in further strengthening the friendly partnership with Pakistan in all areas of mutual interest.
Regarding the connection between the top leadership of both countries, Ambassador Metelitsa mentioned the meetings between President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus and Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif of Pakistan in September and October 2022. These meetings took place on the sidelines of the SCO in Samarkand and CICA in Astana, where they agreed to intensify bilateral cooperation. The Ambassador emphasized the importance of such high-level visits as they often lead to new joint projects and activities.
In terms of trade and economic cooperation, the 6th meeting of the Joint Belarusian-Pakistani Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation was held in January 2023, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus visited Pakistan in May 2023. Both countries are currently negotiating draft treaties and contracts, including a draft Road Map for trade facilitation in the next three years, which are expected to be signed during the President’s visit.
The timing, program, and economic content of the upcoming visit by the Belarusian Head of State to Pakistan will be discussed during political consultations between deputy foreign ministers on July 2 in Islamabad.
Lastly, when asked about a Free Trade Agreement between the two countries, Ambassador Metelitsa mentioned that neither side has proposed one yet. However, if such a proposal is made, it will be considered for further negotiations and signing.
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