Despite COVID-19-related restrictions, economic and cultural cooperation between Belarus and Pakistan has been vibrant this year. In an interview with BelTA Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Belarus Sajjad Haider Khan talked about the current bilateral agenda, the exchanges of visits, work on new agreements and joint ventures. Very soon Minsk will host an art and photo exhibition to introduce Minskers to the culture of Pakistan.
Mr Ambassador, what is the status of bilateral relations between Belarus and Pakistan today, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic which has slowed down global cooperation and development?
Pakistan greatly values its relationship with the Republic of Belarus and views it as an important partner and friend. Political cooperation between our two countries has evolved into a durable, broad-based and comprehensive partnership. In all of our interactions the two sides have shared the common vision and objective of further deepening and expanding existing cooperation in all areas including economy, culture, industry, investment, defense, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, education and science and technology.
I am very glad to share that during the first eight months of 2021, the two countries have held several engagements, most of them in physical format, despite the lingering COVID-19 pandemic situation.
Both of our countries are making serious efforts to implementing the over 80 Agreements and MOUs already signed between the two countries. Additionally, around 20 agreements/MoUs are at final stages of negotiations.
The intergovernmental joint ministerial commission (JMC) is instrumental in reviewing and enhancing bilateral economic cooperation. The sixth session of JMC is being planned in Minsk in December 2021.
Likewise, work is underway on the next round of joint working group on industrial cooperation and agriculture.
Effective and meaningful commercial cooperation has been a key determinant in Pakistan-Belarus bilateral cooperation. The Embassy in cooperation with Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and industry (BelCCI) held an interaction with Belarusian businesspersons during February 2021. In April 2021, Pakistan-Belarus Joint Business Council held its fourth session in virtual format under the auspices of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Both countries are gradually proceeding towards establishment of a joint venture in tractor manufacturing. In April 2021, a renowned Pakistan Business Group M/s Master Motor visited Belarus and commenced negotiations with MTZ for a joint venture. In the meantime, MTZ is hopeful to export 3,000 tractors to Pakistan during 2021, almost one hundred percent increase as compared to 2020.
The Secretary at the Ministry of National Food Security & Research along with a business delegation of agricultural and food processing enterprises participated in the BELAGRO 2021 expo and held a meeting with the Belarusian agriculture and food minister for broadening agricultural cooperation.
The fifth round of Pakistan-Belarus Bilateral Political Consultations was held in Minsk on 27 July 2021. Deputy Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Dr. Muhammad Tariq met with Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Vladimir Makei on this occasion and also shared with him the invitation by the Foreign Minister of Pakistan to visit Islamabad at his convenience.
The defense ties between the two countries are also progressively expanding. Belarus participated in the naval exercises AMAN-21 held in Karachi in February 2021 as an observer. The third session of Pakistan-Belarus Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Technical Cooperation was successfully held in Minsk in March 2021 at Secretary/Deputy Minister level, providing an impetus to bilateral defense cooperation. Subsequently, the Minister of Defense Production of Pakistan Ms Zubaida Jalal participated in MILEX 2021 in June 2021 and also held talks with her counterparts.
A parliamentary delegation from Pakistan led by H.E. Mr. Asad Qaiser, Speaker of the National Assembly, is planning to visit Belarus in September 2021, dates are being finalized.
Mr Ambassador, what is your take on cultural ties between Belarus and Pakistan?
Pakistan is very keen on expanding bilateral cultural cooperation with Belarus. The Embassy of Pakistan in Minsk on its part is particularly active in promotion of cultural cooperation with Belarus.
We have held several art and photo exhibitions and dance shows in several cities, including Minsk, Borisov, and Vitebsk. We are also working to develop effective cooperation between institutions of higher education of the two countries.
A memorandum of understanding between the National College of Arts (Lahore) and the Belarusian State University of Culture and Arts is currently under development.
Mr Ambassador, you've attended the Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk. Will you, please, share your impressions of the festival.
The impressions are very positive. I would like to tell you that, with the support of the Vitebsk Oblast Executive Committee, the embassy of Pakistan opened an art and photography exhibition “Treasures of Pakistan” at the Museum of History of Private Collections on 15 July. The exhibition featured about 70 paintings by renowned Pakistani artist Jimmy Engineer and works of photographer Hamid Hussain.
The exhibition was held as part of the 30th International Festival of Arts Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk, one of the country's important cultural events. The event was highly successful and offered a unique opportunity to showcase our national culture and tourism potential in Belarus. It was also our first experience of cooperation with Vitebsk Oblast within the framework of Slavianski Bazaar.
In April 2021, we also had an opportunity to showcase our culture at the Belarusian State University of Culture and Arts. I would like to note that Pakistan has plentiful tourism opportunities with its diverse and mesmerizing landscapes, heterogeneous culture, variety of exquisite music and distinct cuisine.
We will continue exchanges of musicians, singers, writers, poets, artists and painters in order to expand knowledge about the national cultures.
What will we see at the exhibition which opens in Minsk on 12 August?
On 12 August 2021 the Embassy is set to open an exhibition at the University of Culture gallery to mark Independence Day of Pakistan. The exhibition will feature paintings and photographs by several top Pakistani artists including Sadquain, Jimmy Engineer and Hamid Hussain. Additionally, we have invited two Truck Artists from Pakistan to physically participate and hold three master classes for Belarusian friends. On this occasion, two Belarusian violinists will also perform Pakistani instrumental tunes. I am confident that the exhibition will contribute to learning more about the culture and traditions of Pakistan in Belarus.
Alina Grishkevich
BelTA
