Belarus wants to bring in technology to assemble tractors, electric vehicles

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Belarus on Tuesday agreed to enhance cooperation by building a comprehensive and mutually-beneficial partnership for strengthening economic ties, expanding trade and investment, fostering scientific collaboration and promoting cultural exchanges for the benefit of the people of the two countries.

This was agreed during bilateral talks between Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and his counterpart from Belarus Sergei Aleinik upon his arrival on a two-day visit to Pakistan, in which, Belarus also expressed the desire to bring technology for assembling tractors and electric vehicles in Pakistan.

Speaking at a joint press stakeout after the talks, Foreign Minister Aleinik said that enhancing trade and economic cooperation is of utmost importance for both countries.

He said that Pakistan has great potential for investment and business activities. He said that they had a constructive dialogue on issues of mutual interest and bilateral cooperation, adding that Belarus is committed to further develop and fortify the existing sustainable relations with Pakistan.

sHe said that Belarus is also considering to bring technology for assembling tractors and electric vehicles in Pakistan. He said that Pakistani textile, rice, fruits, medical instruments, leather goods, and sports goods are in high demand in Belarus.

“We are ready for enhanced and open dialogue with Pakistani business community in this regard,” he said, adding that Belarus is also ready to extend cooperation in the agricultural sector.

He also commended Pakistan’s role in peace and stability in the region. “Pakistan is our reliable partner and this partnership will definitely grow further in future,” he added.

He said that the two countries aspire to build a comprehensive and mutually-beneficial partnership that contributes to the prosperity and wellbeing of the people of both countries.

He said that Belarus, like many countries, is defending its sovereignty and facing the illegal pressure of the sanctions. “We believe that such measures must be abolished as it is against the UN Charter, principles of international law and multilateral trade system while it is also negatively affecting the achievements of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda,” he added.

He also expressed gratitude to Pakistan for supporting Belarus to join SCO as a full-fledged member.

In his remarks, Foreign Minister Bilawal said that the sides agreed to undertake practical measures in transforming the profound goodwill shared between the two governments and people into tangible cooperation across various domains.

He said that the long-term goals for Pakistan-Belarus partnership include strengthening economic ties, expanding trade and commerce, fostering scientific collaboration, enhancing defence cooperation, promoting cultural exchange and deepening people-to-people contacts.

He said that one key outcome of the visit is the signing of an agreement between the governments of Pakistan and Belarus on the abolition of visas for the holders of diplomatic and official passports. This landmark agreement will facilitate travel and exchanges between the countries, he said, adding that an agreement was also signed between the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad and Belarus Institute of Strategic Studies for mutual cooperation.

He said that such agreements facilitate exchanges and research and lay the foundation of stronger academic cooperation between the two nations.

Bilawal said that Pakistan is committed to maintaining high-level engagements and visits with Belarus to further strengthen our bilateral relations and building trade as economic ties remain a priority area for us.

He recalled that the two countries recently held 6thministerial commission, which explored cooperation in a number of areas, particularly industrial production and agricultural equipment and science.

He added that the two countries continue to build on these discussions to add more substance to their relations.

He said in 2024, both Pakistan and Belarus will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and to commemorate this momentous occasion we will collaborate on the development of a comprehensive plan of action. He said that the planned events will be held in both Pakistan and Belarus, offering an opportunity to celebrate the bond between our two nations, while fostering relations in diverse spheres.

Bilawal also expressed confidence and the resolve to move forward in fostering cooperation and friendship between the people of Pakistan and Belarus.

On the occasion, different agreements and memorandums of understanding, including visa exemptions for holders of diplomatic and service passports, were also signed.

Earlier, Belarusian Foreign Minister Aleinik during his visit to the Foreign Office also planted a sapling in the garden. According to a joint statement issued at the conclusion of the visit, the two foreign ministers had a wide-ranging and substantive discussion on a variety of topics including political, economic, technological, cultural, educational and multilateral cooperation in an atmosphere of friendship and mutual understanding. The two sides agreed to take practical measures to translate the mutual goodwill between the two governments and their peoples into tangible cooperation in different fields.

The ministers expressed satisfaction with the friendly relations based on mutual respect, friendship and trust established between Belarus and Pakistan, and highly appreciated the bilateral meetings and interaction at the highest and high levels that have taken place in recent years.

The ministers appreciated the holding of the 6th Session of the Joint Belarusian-Pakistani Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation on January 12-13, 2023 in Minsk under the chairmanship of the Minister of Energy of Belarus Viktor Karankevich and the Federal Minister of Energy of Khurram Dastgir Khan.

The ministers expressed their interest in strengthening cooperation within the framework of the SCO, the United Nations and other international organisations on matters of mutual interest, and reaffirmed their readiness to mutually support each other.

The ministers intend to support business initiatives aimed at development of trade and industrial cooperation between the two countries, among other things, through the participation in exhibitions and fair events in both countries, holding face-to-face and online negotiations, business councils.

Taking into consideration, that February 3, 2024, will mark the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Belarus and Pakistan, the ministers welcomed the intention to develop a plan of joint events dedicated to the anniversary of diplomatic relations. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus expressed his gratitude for the reception given to the Belarusian delegation and invited the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to visit the Republic of Belarus at a convenient time. The invitation was accepted with gratitude and the dates of the visit will be finalized through diplomatic channels.

During the visit, Foreign Minister Aleinik paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, in addition to holding comprehensive delegation-level bilateral talks.

Foreign Minister Aleinik also held meetings with the Minister of Economic Affairs Sardar Ayaz Sadiq.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2023