Pakistan has expressed a strong desire to enhance its parliamentary relations with Belarus, reflecting a broader commitment to deepening bilateral ties across political, economic, and cultural domains. Recent high-level meetings and diplomatic engagements underscore the growing importance of this partnership.
High-Level Engagements in Minsk
On April 11, 2025, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with key Belarusian parliamentary leaders in Minsk, including Natalya Kochanova, Chairperson of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly, and Igor Sergeyenko, Chairman of the House of Representatives. Discussions focused on strengthening inter-parliamentary engagement to advance mutual interests. Both sides recognized the role of parliamentary diplomacy in fostering closer cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to expanding exchanges between lawmakers. The Pakistani delegation included senior officials such as Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Federal Ministers Attaullah Tarar and Jam Kamal, underlining the significance of this diplomatic effort.
Focus on Legal Frameworks and Multilateral Cooperation
National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has also played a pivotal role in advancing parliamentary ties. During his visit to Belarus in 2024, he emphasized revisiting and updating existing agreements to enhance their effectiveness. He reiterated Pakistan’s support for Belarus on international platforms, including its bid to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). This support reflects Pakistan’s broader strategy of fostering mutually beneficial collaborations with Belarus in multilateral forums.
Celebrating 30 Years of Diplomatic Relations
The year 2024 marked the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Belarus. Over the decades, both nations have worked to strengthen their ties through agreements such as the Islamabad Declaration of Partnership (2015) and the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation (2015). The establishment of resident diplomatic missions in Islamabad and Minsk in 2014-2015 further accelerated bilateral cooperation. Recent years have seen significant growth in trade, with Belarusian exports to Pakistan increasing by 1.5 times in early 2023 compared to the previous year.
Economic and Political Collaboration
Beyond parliamentary engagement, Pakistan and Belarus have prioritized economic collaboration. In May 2023, both nations agreed to bolster ties in trade, technology, culture, and education. A visa abolition agreement for diplomatic passport holders was also signed to facilitate official exchanges. These measures aim to create a conducive environment for business initiatives and industrial cooperation.
Future Prospects and Strategic Foundations
Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen parliamentary ties with Belarus are part of a broader strategy to deepen bilateral relations across multiple sectors. By fostering inter-parliamentary dialogue, revisiting legal frameworks, and supporting each other on international platforms, both nations are laying a strong foundation for future collaboration. These initiatives not only enhance mutual understanding but also contribute to regional stability and economic growth.
