Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko paid an official visit to Pakistan in the last week of autumn. The Belarusian head of state was expected on a visit here for a long time, so his visit drew a lot of attention. What did the leaders of Belarus and Pakistan discuss and what agreements did they come to during the talks? What brilliant proposal did Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif make and what friendly advice did Aleksandr Lukashenko offer to the Pakistanis outside the officialdom program framework? Now we will tell you everything.
What's the situation in Pakistan ahead of Belarusian president's visit
The visit of the head of state to Islamabad took place during a difficult time. The day before, it became known that the Pakistani opposition was taking to the streets and that riots were possible in the city. However, the Belarusian side did not back down and postpone the presidential visit. Moreover, we know that Aleksandr Lukashenko is not easily scared. He even traveled to Belgrade in 1999 during the NATO bombing campaign.
A Belarusian-Pakistani business forum was held in Islamabad on 25 November. Almost three dozen companies took part in it from the Belarusian side, and about a hundred from the Pakistani side.
"We have something to offer our Pakistani partners. Today, the Republic of Belarus is a strong state with a powerful industry and well-developed agriculture, with a wide transport and logistics potential. Most importantly, the well-being of its people is continuously improving," said Mikhail Myatlikov, Chairman of the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BelCCI).
On the evening of 25 November, the Belarusian air force one landed in Islamabad. The plane of the head of state touched down at the Nur Khan military base. In addition to military purposes, the base is used to receive aircraft with official foreign delegations.
In the airport the head of state was welcomed by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Islamabad prepared thoroughly for the visit of the Belarusian president. The capital city was decorated with Belarusian national symbols and posters with portraits of Aleksandr Lukashenko and the top leadership of Pakistan. The posters read the following in Belarusian and English: "Mutual respect, trust and partnership", "Building bridges for prosperous future", "Partners in progress and prosperity", "New era of cooperation".
The following day, before leaving for the residence of the Pakistani prime minister, Aleksandr Lukashenko held a protocol meeting with Deputy Prime Minister - Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar of Pakistan in Islamabad. In accordance with the official protocol of Pakistan, the foreign minister briefed the Belarusian president on the key points of the visit program and the state of bilateral relations.
What friendly advice did Lukashenko give to the Pakistani people
The head of state remarked that apart from official statements, he would like to address the Pakistani side with one personal proposal.
“We have been maintaining relations for three decades. I have been president just as long. For me Pakistan is not some distant country. It is our very close friend. More than 10 years ago we once agreed to intensify our relations, and we have done a lot over this time. We do care about what is going on in Pakistan. We were greatly concerned when the terrible flood happened. We are deeply saddened when something happens that should not happen in your society. We are also worried about the things that are taking place today,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
He pointed out that the world is going through the most monumental changes in the last few centuries. “The world is very turbulent and changes every day. In this difficult time, in order to survive, countries need to stay united and their people need to really care about their homeland. We are witnessing the re-division of the world: strong, rich countries are locked in this fight. Over 50 wars and conflicts are flaring up today. There is a fierce struggle for leadership today, tomorrow and in the future. Being a giant country that has the world's fifth largest population you were also dragged into this whirlpool. Pakistan's position on the international arena is very clear. You know what Pakistan wants. But what you want is not the same what these large countries want that are fighting for leadership,” the head of state said.
The president recalled that the United States, England, India, and Australia (with Japan and South Korea probably joining them in the future) want to create a kind of “Pacific NATO”.
“Pakistan, which wants to live peacefully, may not be interested in this. Therefore, there will be attempts to destabilize your country, to foment tensions. My message to the people of Pakistan is the following: Take good care of your country. If you keep it intact, you will have a place to live. Otherwise, there will be trouble. This is my friendly advice to you,” the Belarusian leader concluded.
How did another round of protests in Pakistan end?
On this day the situation in Islamabad developed rapidly. The opposition marched on Islamabad. The protesters reached the so-called Red Zone, which houses most government buildings, embassies and offices of international organizations. Police tried to stop them using tear gas.
According to the information published in the media, about 120 law enforcement officers were wounded, over a dozen were killed in the clashes. The Pakistani authorities have identified an interesting trend: out of every 100 protesters arrested, about 25 were Afghans. A reasonable question is: Was it the Pakistani opposition that came to the protests?
The city had calmed down the situation by Wednesday. But law enforcers still stay alert.
"As for the president's advice to our Pakistani friends, it can be put like this: do not riot, do not go out and stir up trouble against the current government, but rather stay united with the current government, which really cares about the interests of the people, do your job and thus contribute to your country’s development and progress. Then in the future Pakistan will really have a well-deserved place in the system of international relations and will be prosperous, and not stand with a begging bowl to the collective West, which is what the collective West, in fact, wants," the Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Maksim Ryzhenkov said.
Negotiations with the Pakistani prime minister were an important, but not the only point in the program of the president's visit. Aleksandr Lukashenko had an informal lunch with Shehbaz Sharif at his family residence in the resort town of Murree. The Belarusian head of state met with members of Shehbaz Sharif’s family, including former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif of Pakistan.
Moreover, the Belarusian president met with General Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan. It was a closed meeting.
The Belarusian president completed the official visit to Pakistan. The countries seek to monetize the high level of political cooperation. Time will tell whether the two countries will succeed. But we do know that Belarus and Pakistan are committed to working hard.
What's the situation in Pakistan ahead of Belarusian president's visit
The visit of the head of state to Islamabad took place during a difficult time. The day before, it became known that the Pakistani opposition was taking to the streets and that riots were possible in the city. However, the Belarusian side did not back down and postpone the presidential visit. Moreover, we know that Aleksandr Lukashenko is not easily scared. He even traveled to Belgrade in 1999 during the NATO bombing campaign.
Agreements reached at Belarusian-Pakistani business forum
The day before the presidential visit, a representative Belarusian delegation landed in Islamabad - ministers and heads of enterprises. Before the negotiations at the highest level, they were to hold meetings with their counterparts and thrash out the agreements at a joint business forum. When on-route to the Pakistani capital, they went over their presentations and draft agreements. Some enterprises had impressive contracts planned.
A Belarusian-Pakistani business forum was held in Islamabad on 25 November. Almost three dozen companies took part in it from the Belarusian side, and about a hundred from the Pakistani side.
"We have something to offer our Pakistani partners. Today, the Republic of Belarus is a strong state with a powerful industry and well-developed agriculture, with a wide transport and logistics potential. Most importantly, the well-being of its people is continuously improving," said Mikhail Myatlikov, Chairman of the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BelCCI).
According to him, Belarusian enterprises reached agreements worth $17 million at the business forum in Pakistan. In general, in 2023 Belarusian export to Pakistan rose by 150% over 2022. This year, growth continued: it rose by 30% in H1 year-on-year. The total trade between the countries in 2023 amounted to almost $50 million. 
Welcome ceremony for the Belarusian president in Pakistan
On the evening of 25 November, the Belarusian air force one landed in Islamabad. The plane of the head of state touched down at the Nur Khan military base. In addition to military purposes, the base is used to receive aircraft with official foreign delegations.
In the airport the head of state was welcomed by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Three dozen soldiers of the guard of honor lined up along the red carpet. The welcome ceremony was accompanied by welcoming volleys from artillery guns. This tradition is not only considered good manners, but also speaks of the friendly attitude of the host party.
Islamabad prepared thoroughly for the visit of the Belarusian president. The capital city was decorated with Belarusian national symbols and posters with portraits of Aleksandr Lukashenko and the top leadership of Pakistan. The posters read the following in Belarusian and English: "Mutual respect, trust and partnership", "Building bridges for prosperous future", "Partners in progress and prosperity", "New era of cooperation".
Talks between Lukashenko and Sharif
The following day, before leaving for the residence of the Pakistani prime minister, Aleksandr Lukashenko held a protocol meeting with Deputy Prime Minister - Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar of Pakistan in Islamabad. In accordance with the official protocol of Pakistan, the foreign minister briefed the Belarusian president on the key points of the visit program and the state of bilateral relations.
"As with other countries, we do not have closed topics with Pakistan. We are ready to cooperate with you in all areas that are of interest to you, from agriculture to the military-industrial complex. Belarus has everything to meet the needs of the people of Pakistan (the fifth most populous country in the world) in food, footwear, clothing, and so one. The main thing now is to move from memoranda to specific agreements and contracts and implement them," Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
The prime minister stressed that the Belarusian leader is a great friend of Pakistan and the parties have already been able to discuss a number of pressing and important issues in a one-on-one format. "You are a practical person, so today we will try to talk less and do more practical things," Shehbaz Sharif said.
After the meeting with the minister of foreign affairs, the head of state went to the official residence of the prime minister. Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the Belarusian leader at the residence.
The talks were preceded by an official welcome ceremony with the participation of the guard of honor and the performance of national anthems. After that Aleksandr Lukashenko and Shehbaz Sharif planted a tree on the grounds of the residence before heading to a narrow-format meeting.
The leaders shared some details of their meeting during the broader-participation talks attended by the two delegationsThe prime minister stressed that the Belarusian leader is a great friend of Pakistan and the parties have already been able to discuss a number of pressing and important issues in a one-on-one format. "You are a practical person, so today we will try to talk less and do more practical things," Shehbaz Sharif said.
What Aleksandr Lukashenko and Shehbaz Sharif stressed in joint statement
Aleksandr Lukashenko and Shehbaz Sharif took stock of the talks in the joint statement.
According to the document, the two leaders reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and reaffirmed mutual commitment to deepening friendly ties between the two countries in political, trade and economic, cultural, social and other areas.
“Pakistan and Belarus are marking the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year. The parties recognized that their relations had developed into a strong, wide-ranging and comprehensive partnership of growing importance,” the document says. “During the meeting the two leaders emphasized the importance of promoting political dialogue and strengthening inter-parliamentary relations.”
Attention was also focused on expanding trade and economic cooperation, implementation of a joint approach to regional economic integration and connectivity, and improvement of the legal framework to facilitate bilateral cooperation.
“Recognizing the advanced agricultural production capabilities of Belarus and the needs of Pakistan's agriculture-based economy, the parties agreed to promote joint ventures in the agricultural and industrial sectors, including for the production of high-tech and large-size agricultural machinery,” the statement says.
The parties agreed to cooperate in automotive sales, production and service, including through partnerships between private and public organizations in the two countries. The initiative is aimed at capitalizing on the strengths of both countries in automotive production and technology and stimulating industrial growth.
Aleksandr Lukashenko and Shehbaz Sharif also discussed important regional and international issues. Pakistan representatives briefed Belarus on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. The parties emphasized the need to settle all international disputes by peaceful means and in accordance with the UN Charter and UN Security Council resolutions.
Aleksandr Lukashenko and Shehbaz Sharif called for an immediate and permanent cessation of hostilities without preconditions in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon.
"Both 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 and permanent cessation of hostilities without preconditions in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon, end of strikes on the territory of the Syrian Arab Republic, ensuring the uninterrupted and safe delivery of humanitarian aid, restraint amid the threat of expansion of the conflict zone, and stressed the need to intensify efforts to achieve peace, stability and security for the entire region," the document says.
In the joint statement, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and the establishment of an independent Palestinian State on the basis of a two-state formula in accordance with the resolutions of the Security Council and the General Assembly of the United Nations.
Aleksandr Lukashenko and Shehbaz Sharif also stressed the paramount importance of a peaceful settlement of the conflict in Ukraine, the need for diplomatic efforts and constructive dialogue. They noted that the ongoing conflict has far-reaching implications not only for the region, but also for global stability and security.
"Both leaders called on all parties involved to prioritize negotiations and peaceful means to resolve all major issues, reaffirming their commitment to supporting initiatives that contribute to lasting peace and stability in the region," the joint statement says.
Why Belarus and Pakistan need a new roadmap
"While preparing for this meeting, I thought that memorandums are a good thing. They outline our intentions to develop cooperation. But we need agreements and contracts. The prime minister of Pakistan, as if he read my mind, told me word for word: ‘Look, it was a good idea to sign memorandums, but we need agreements and contracts. Let's meet in Minsk and sign these agreements and contracts in furtherance of the memorandums reached today. A brilliant proposal!" Aleksandr Lukashenko told the media after the talks.
The president recalled that Belarus and Pakistan have been cooperating for 30 years and already done a lot. Why do the countries need a new roadmap then? "We need an updated, modern roadmap. We need to discard what does not work and what we do not need today in the changing world," he explained. "Pakistani specialists know Belarus quite well, but it is advisable to learn more about modern Belarus. Shehbaz Sharif said that his specialists are ready to come to Minsk in two weeks to review some agreements and contracts. He is also willing to visit us in February, and we will sign the relevant agreements and contracts in furtherance of our current intentions. This is a good plan."
"Today we have also stated the main fact about our relations. We have excellent diplomatic ties. We share the same vision for the international agenda. But our trade and economic cooperation is lagging far behind and falling short of the potential. We need to monetize our political relations and deepen economic cooperation," Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed.
Aleksandr Lukashenko and Shehbaz Sharif took stock of the talks in the joint statement.
According to the document, the two leaders reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and reaffirmed mutual commitment to deepening friendly ties between the two countries in political, trade and economic, cultural, social and other areas.
“Pakistan and Belarus are marking the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year. The parties recognized that their relations had developed into a strong, wide-ranging and comprehensive partnership of growing importance,” the document says. “During the meeting the two leaders emphasized the importance of promoting political dialogue and strengthening inter-parliamentary relations.”
Attention was also focused on expanding trade and economic cooperation, implementation of a joint approach to regional economic integration and connectivity, and improvement of the legal framework to facilitate bilateral cooperation.
“Recognizing the advanced agricultural production capabilities of Belarus and the needs of Pakistan's agriculture-based economy, the parties agreed to promote joint ventures in the agricultural and industrial sectors, including for the production of high-tech and large-size agricultural machinery,” the statement says.
The parties agreed to cooperate in automotive sales, production and service, including through partnerships between private and public organizations in the two countries. The initiative is aimed at capitalizing on the strengths of both countries in automotive production and technology and stimulating industrial growth.
Aleksandr Lukashenko and Shehbaz Sharif also discussed important regional and international issues. Pakistan representatives briefed Belarus on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. The parties emphasized the need to settle all international disputes by peaceful means and in accordance with the UN Charter and UN Security Council resolutions.
Aleksandr Lukashenko and Shehbaz Sharif called for an immediate and permanent cessation of hostilities without preconditions in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon.
"Both 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 and permanent cessation of hostilities without preconditions in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon, end of strikes on the territory of the Syrian Arab Republic, ensuring the uninterrupted and safe delivery of humanitarian aid, restraint amid the threat of expansion of the conflict zone, and stressed the need to intensify efforts to achieve peace, stability and security for the entire region," the document says.
In the joint statement, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and the establishment of an independent Palestinian State on the basis of a two-state formula in accordance with the resolutions of the Security Council and the General Assembly of the United Nations.
Aleksandr Lukashenko and Shehbaz Sharif also stressed the paramount importance of a peaceful settlement of the conflict in Ukraine, the need for diplomatic efforts and constructive dialogue. They noted that the ongoing conflict has far-reaching implications not only for the region, but also for global stability and security.
"Both leaders called on all parties involved to prioritize negotiations and peaceful means to resolve all major issues, reaffirming their commitment to supporting initiatives that contribute to lasting peace and stability in the region," the joint statement says.
Why Belarus and Pakistan need a new roadmap
"While preparing for this meeting, I thought that memorandums are a good thing. They outline our intentions to develop cooperation. But we need agreements and contracts. The prime minister of Pakistan, as if he read my mind, told me word for word: ‘Look, it was a good idea to sign memorandums, but we need agreements and contracts. Let's meet in Minsk and sign these agreements and contracts in furtherance of the memorandums reached today. A brilliant proposal!" Aleksandr Lukashenko told the media after the talks.
The president recalled that Belarus and Pakistan have been cooperating for 30 years and already done a lot. Why do the countries need a new roadmap then? "We need an updated, modern roadmap. We need to discard what does not work and what we do not need today in the changing world," he explained. "Pakistani specialists know Belarus quite well, but it is advisable to learn more about modern Belarus. Shehbaz Sharif said that his specialists are ready to come to Minsk in two weeks to review some agreements and contracts. He is also willing to visit us in February, and we will sign the relevant agreements and contracts in furtherance of our current intentions. This is a good plan."
"Today we have also stated the main fact about our relations. We have excellent diplomatic ties. We share the same vision for the international agenda. But our trade and economic cooperation is lagging far behind and falling short of the potential. We need to monetize our political relations and deepen economic cooperation," Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed.
The head of state remarked that apart from official statements, he would like to address the Pakistani side with one personal proposal.
“We have been maintaining relations for three decades. I have been president just as long. For me Pakistan is not some distant country. It is our very close friend. More than 10 years ago we once agreed to intensify our relations, and we have done a lot over this time. We do care about what is going on in Pakistan. We were greatly concerned when the terrible flood happened. We are deeply saddened when something happens that should not happen in your society. We are also worried about the things that are taking place today,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
He pointed out that the world is going through the most monumental changes in the last few centuries. “The world is very turbulent and changes every day. In this difficult time, in order to survive, countries need to stay united and their people need to really care about their homeland. We are witnessing the re-division of the world: strong, rich countries are locked in this fight. Over 50 wars and conflicts are flaring up today. There is a fierce struggle for leadership today, tomorrow and in the future. Being a giant country that has the world's fifth largest population you were also dragged into this whirlpool. Pakistan's position on the international arena is very clear. You know what Pakistan wants. But what you want is not the same what these large countries want that are fighting for leadership,” the head of state said.
The president recalled that the United States, England, India, and Australia (with Japan and South Korea probably joining them in the future) want to create a kind of “Pacific NATO”.
“Pakistan, which wants to live peacefully, may not be interested in this. Therefore, there will be attempts to destabilize your country, to foment tensions. My message to the people of Pakistan is the following: Take good care of your country. If you keep it intact, you will have a place to live. Otherwise, there will be trouble. This is my friendly advice to you,” the Belarusian leader concluded.
How did another round of protests in Pakistan end?
On this day the situation in Islamabad developed rapidly. The opposition marched on Islamabad. The protesters reached the so-called Red Zone, which houses most government buildings, embassies and offices of international organizations. Police tried to stop them using tear gas.
According to the information published in the media, about 120 law enforcement officers were wounded, over a dozen were killed in the clashes. The Pakistani authorities have identified an interesting trend: out of every 100 protesters arrested, about 25 were Afghans. A reasonable question is: Was it the Pakistani opposition that came to the protests?
The city had calmed down the situation by Wednesday. But law enforcers still stay alert.
"As for the president's advice to our Pakistani friends, it can be put like this: do not riot, do not go out and stir up trouble against the current government, but rather stay united with the current government, which really cares about the interests of the people, do your job and thus contribute to your country’s development and progress. Then in the future Pakistan will really have a well-deserved place in the system of international relations and will be prosperous, and not stand with a begging bowl to the collective West, which is what the collective West, in fact, wants," the Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Maksim Ryzhenkov said.
Negotiations with the Pakistani prime minister were an important, but not the only point in the program of the president's visit. Aleksandr Lukashenko had an informal lunch with Shehbaz Sharif at his family residence in the resort town of Murree. The Belarusian head of state met with members of Shehbaz Sharif’s family, including former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif of Pakistan.
The Belarusian president completed the official visit to Pakistan. The countries seek to monetize the high level of political cooperation. Time will tell whether the two countries will succeed. But we do know that Belarus and Pakistan are committed to working hard.
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