Nawaz Sharif
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“We would like our political and personal relations to rely on a solid trade and economic basis. Belarus and Pakistan are complementary states. We need to promote this economic co-operation. This is our priority for the future,” Mr. Lukashenko said, also noting that it is necessary to discuss the relations of Pakistan and Belarus with third countries. “For example, you have excellent relations with China and Russia. We can get huge benefit from this co-operation and also do good for these countries,” he added.
Syed Tariq Fatemi, in turn, extended warm greetings to the President of Belarus. The two sides spoke in Russian without a translator. “Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif respects and likes you. He asked me to convey his best wishes. Your visit will be an important historical event in our relations. We are convinced that it will help advance our relations to a higher level,” he said.
Belarus and Pakistan boast a high level of political interaction. The embassies of both countries opened in Belarus and Pakistan in 2014-2015. In May 2015, Mr. Lukashenko traveled to Pakistan on an official visit. The Prime Minister of Pakistan visited Belarus in August 2015. Representatives of ministries and agencies also exchange visits. The legal framework of bilateral relations was expanded in 2015.
During top level visits, the sides signed 58 documents, including the Islamabad Declaration of Belarus-Pakistan Partnership, an agreement on friendship and co-operation, and a roadmap of bilateral co-operation for a five-year period. The countries hosted business and investment forums, signed contracts to the tune of $95 million. The bilateral trade reached $56.3 million in 2015, Belarus posted a trade surplus of $31.1 million.
By Vladimir Khromov