In a major diplomatic milestone, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Aleksandr Lukashenko of Belarus have set the stage for enhanced bilateral relations between their countries. Their talks, held in Islamabad, focused on expanding trade, promoting economic cooperation, and bolstering political dialogue. This significant collaboration comes as both nations celebrate the 30th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.

The official visit by President Lukashenko, invited by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, served as a platform to reinforce the strong partnership between the two nations. The two leaders signed several key agreements aimed at fostering collaboration in sectors such as agriculture, technology, education, and trade.

Economic Cooperation and Joint Ventures in Agriculture and Industry

One of the key outcomes of the talks was the agreement to promote joint ventures between Belarus and Pakistan in agriculture and high-tech manufacturing. Recognizing Belarus’s expertise in agricultural machinery, the two countries plan to explore collaborations in the production of advanced equipment that will help boost Pakistan’s agriculture-driven economy. Additionally, there will be cooperation in the automotive sector, focusing on the sales, manufacturing, and servicing of vehicles. This initiative seeks to leverage both countries’ strengths in automotive manufacturing and technology.

The leaders also agreed to expand the network of Belarusian agricultural machinery sales and services in Pakistan, with partnerships in both public and private sectors. Educational initiatives in agricultural manufacturing will also be explored to enhance expertise in the field.

Trade and Connectivity: A Focus on Maritime and Land Routes

In a bid to further enhance trade connectivity, both countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Pakistan’s National Logistics Corporation (NLC) and Beltamozhservice, a Belarusian company. This agreement aims to streamline transportation and improve the efficiency of trade routes, both maritime and land-based, between Pakistan and Belarus. The focus is to reduce trade costs, making the bilateral exchange of goods more effective and profitable.

Scientific Collaboration and Educational Exchange

The two leaders also prioritized scientific and educational collaborations. With a vision for academic exchange, the two countries aim to enhance cooperation between universities, promote student exchanges, and support joint research projects. The signing of two important agreements for joint scientific and technical projects further solidified this partnership.

Regional and Global Peace Efforts

On the global stage, the leaders discussed regional and international issues, including the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, the Middle East humanitarian crisis, and the conflict in Ukraine. Both leaders reiterated their commitment to resolving international disputes through peaceful means and in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter.

The joint statement from the meeting also underscored the importance of peaceful resolutions to ongoing conflicts and reaffirmed support for initiatives aimed at fostering stability and security in the Middle East, Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and Ukraine.

Looking Ahead: The Roadmap for Comprehensive Cooperation

A major outcome of the visit was the signing of a “Roadmap for Comprehensive Cooperation” for the period 2025-2027. This detailed roadmap sets the direction for future cooperation in various sectors, including trade, technology, defense, and agriculture. The roadmap also lays the groundwork for inter-governmental commissions and high-level meetings to ensure continued collaboration between the two nations.

As part of the diplomatic celebrations, President Lukashenko was accorded a guard of honor upon arrival and met with senior officials, including former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, during his visit to Murree, where a luncheon was hosted in his honor.