MINSK: Chairman Senate of Pakistan Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani met with President Aleksandr Lukashenko of Belarus in Minsk to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries. The meeting, which took place on September 24, underscored the longstanding friendly relations between Pakistan and Belarus, focusing on expanding collaboration in political, economic, educational, and cultural sectors.
According to Press Information Department, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani conveyed greetings from the people and Parliament of Pakistan and expressed appreciation for the hospitality extended to the Pakistani delegation. He emphasized the importance of the Islamabad Declaration and the Treaty on Friendship and Cooperation as key frameworks for enhancing bilateral ties. The discussions aimed at translating existing agreements into tangible economic benefits, with a focus on fostering greater engagement between the business communities of both nations.
Chairman Senate highlighted Pakistan’s strategic geographical position and its potential for enhancing regional market access. Opportunities for industrial cooperation, joint ventures, and technology transfer were also discussed. The meeting further explored cooperation in agriculture and food security, with potential for increased exports of Pakistani agricultural products to Belarus and collaboration in various agricultural sectors.
In education and technology, both sides discussed strengthening ties through institutional linkages, joint research, and academic exchanges. Parliamentary diplomacy was another area of focus, with Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani advocating for greater cooperation between parliamentary committees and exchanges of legislative experiences.
The meeting also addressed the role of regional and multilateral forums, with a commitment to continued cooperation at the United Nations and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani expressed optimism that sustained engagement and expanded people-to-people contacts would further solidify the friendship between Pakistan and Belarus.