By Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director, Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future (PRCCSF), Islamabad
Islamabad – Pakistan and Belarus recently celebrated 30 years of diplomatic relations, marking a long-standing partnership built on mutual respect and cooperation. Since establishing formal ties on February 3, 1994, both nations have steadily expanded their political, economic, and cultural engagements.
A Historical Overview of Bilateral Relations
The relationship between Pakistan and Belarus began soon after Belarus gained independence in 1991 following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Diplomatic ties were formalized in 1994, but the partnership gained real momentum in 2015 after high-level exchanges between leaders of both countries.
In July 2014, Belarus opened its embassy in Pakistan, reciprocated by Pakistan in August 2015. These diplomatic missions have since facilitated deeper cooperation.
Notable official visits include:
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President Alexander Lukashenko’s visit to Pakistan in May 2015
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Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s visit to Minsk in August 2015
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President Mamnoon Hussain’s meeting with President Lukashenko at the OIC Summit in Istanbul (April 2016)
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Meetings on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Bishkek (2019)
Strengthening Economic and Political Cooperation
The two nations have signed over 80 agreements, MOUs, and protocols covering various fields such as:
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Economic cooperation
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Strategic defense collaboration
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Technological innovation
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Academic and cultural exchanges
In 2015, Pakistan and Belarus established the Joint Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, which has since held five sessions. These meetings have advanced discussions on industrial development, agriculture, and science and technology partnerships.
Expanding Trade and Investment
Despite global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, trade between Pakistan and Belarus has remained stable. In 2019, the bilateral trade volume reached $50.2 million, with Pakistan exporting $15.1 million worth of goods and importing $35.1 million from Belarus.
Key trade items include:
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Belarus exports: Agricultural machinery, including tractors
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Pakistan exports: Basmati rice, fruits, vegetables, leather goods, and textiles
There is also growing cooperation in military and defense technologies, reflecting both countries’ interest in security collaboration.
Platforms for Business Growth and Collaboration
Both countries have established forums to strengthen business ties:
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Pak-Belarus Business and Investment Forum
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Pak-Belarus Agricultural Forum
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Pak-Belarus Joint Business Council
These initiatives encourage business communities to engage in joint ventures, direct marketing, and participation in international trade fairs.
Connectivity through the Belt and Road Initiative
Both Pakistan and Belarus are key partners in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and China-Belarus Great Stone Industrial Park create unique opportunities for cross-regional collaboration.
Belarus serves as a gateway to the Eurasian region, while Pakistan connects South Asia to the Middle East and East Asia. This geographical synergy offers tremendous potential for inter-regional trade and economic growth.
Future Outlook: Building a Progressive Framework
The foundation for political and economic cooperation between Pakistan and Belarus is strong, but there is room for growth. To deepen this partnership, both nations must:
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Expand business-to-business contacts
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Promote tourism and cultural exchange
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Continue regular bilateral political consultations
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Develop joint economic forums for broader trade opportunities
The focus should shift toward result-oriented collaboration, especially in the fields of commerce, technology, and defense.
Conclusion
The 30-year partnership between Pakistan and Belarus, celebrated on February 3, 2024, reflects a shared commitment to fostering cooperation across political, economic, and cultural fields.
From diplomatic agreements to trade partnerships, the relationship has matured into a multifaceted collaboration. With joint efforts in global projects like the Belt and Road Initiative, both countries are well-positioned to enhance regional connectivity and economic growth.
