Events
Ryzhenkov meets with Pakistani, Iranian counterparts on SCO sidelines
Abbas Araghchi and Maxim Ryzhenkov
MINSK, 24 July (BelTA) – Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxim Ryzhenkov held bilateral meetings with the foreign ministers of SCO member states and the organization’s leadership on the sidelines of the meeting of the Council of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan, BelTA has learned.
During a meeting with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, the sides emphasized that Belarusian-Pakistani relations are built on mutual respect and the high level of trust between the president of Belarus and the prime minister of Pakistan.
Maxim Ryzhenkov highly praised Pakistan’s constructive role in addressing global and regional issues, which includes Islamabad’s mediation efforts to reduce tensions in the Gulf region.
Mohammad Ishaq Dar, in turn, briefed the Belarusian foreign minister on the situation in the Gulf and the positions of the parties involved in and affected by the conflict.
“The ministers reviewed the schedule of upcoming contacts, including high-level and highest-level meetings, the session of the intergovernmental commission on trade and economic cooperation, and a visit of a parliamentary delegation. Special attention was paid to translating the existing political will into specific economic projects, particularly in the areas of mechanical engineering and finance,” the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
The sides also discussed labor migration. With the entry into force of the relevant memorandum in May 2026, the process of organizing the systematic recruitment of Pakistani citizens to Belarus has become more structured.
The ministers discussed cooperation on international platforms, including mutual support for each other’s initiatives and candidates for international bodies. The Belarusian side expressed support for Pakistan’s upcoming SCO chairmanship.
During a meeting between Maxim Ryzhenkov and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, the diplomats reaffirmed their commitment to all agreements made during the Belarusian and Iranian presidents’ mutual visits.
“The Belarusian side expressed its unwavering support for Iran in defending its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and in opposing interference in its internal affairs,” the press service emphasized. “The ministers discussed the prospects for expanding trade and economic cooperation, interaction on the international stage, and reviewed the schedule of upcoming high-level and highest-level contacts.”
During a brief meeting with SCO Secretary General Nurlan Yermekbayev, the Belarusian foreign minister presented a commemorative postage stamp issued by Belarus to mark the 25th anniversary of the SCO.
On the sidelines of the ministerial meeting, Maxim Ryzhenkov also exchanged views on pressing international issues with his counterparts from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.
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