ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Belarus have underscored the paramount importance of a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine, emphasising the need for diplomatic efforts and constructive dialogue.
A joint statement issued at the conclusion of the official visit of President of the Republic of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko to Pakistan on Tuesday said both countries highlighted that the ongoing conflict has far-reaching consequences, not only for the region but also for global stability and security.
It noted that President Aleksandr Lukashenko and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have called on all parties involved to prioritize negotiations and peaceful means to address all underlying issues, reaffirming their commitment to supporting initiatives that foster lasting peace and stability in the region.
The statement said during the visit, the two leaders comprehensively reviewed the full range of bilateral relations and reaffirmed their mutual commitment to deepening friendly ties between the two countries across political, trade, economic, cultural, social, and other areas.
It said this year marked the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Belarus. “Both sides acknowledged that their relationship had grown into a durable, broad-based, and comprehensive partnership of increasing significance. Pakistan congratulated Belarus on its full membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), with Belarus noting Pakistan’s early support for its accession,” it said.
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The statement added that during their meeting, President Aleksandr Lukashenko and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif emphasised the importance of advancing political dialogue and strengthening inter-parliamentary relations.
“Both sides also agreed to collaborate in sales, manufacturing and servicing of vehicles, including through partnerships between private and public organizations of both countries. This initiative aims to leverage the strengths of both countries in automotive manufacturing and technology, boosting industrial growth and innovation,” noted the statement.
It added that during the visit, the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), in collaboration with the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BelCCI), organized a Belarus-Pakistan Business Forum.
The event saw participation from over thirty Belarusian companies and nearly one hundred Pakistani counterparts from various sectors, fostering valuable interactions and potential business opportunities.
According to the statement, the two countries signed several Memorandum of Understanding on maritime trade, science and technology, pharmaceutical products, medical devices, education and culture and economic cooperation.
“These arrangements are expected to open new prospects for the continued development of bilateral relations, based on the principles of mutually beneficial friendship,” said the statement.
It said the two sides also discussed important regional and international issues. The Pakistani side briefed the Belarusian side on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. Both sides underlined the need for the resolution of all international disputes through peaceful means and in accordance with the UN Charter and UN Security Council resolutions.
The statement further said that the two leaders expressed deep concern over the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, which has led to a devastating humanitarian crisis and significant civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon.
The Parties called for an immediate, unconditional and permanent cessation of hostilities in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon, strikes on the territory of the Syrian Arab Republic, ensuring uninterrupted and safe delivery of humanitarian aid, restraint against the background of the threat of expanding the zone of confrontation, stressed the need to intensify their efforts to achieve peace, stability and security for the entire region.
“The Parties reaffirmed their support to the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the basis of the two-state formula, in accordance with the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council and the General Assembly,” stated the joint statement.
