Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 10 August (BelTA) – In Belarus they understand well how much a nation needs peace, economic development, and prosperity. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko made the statement during expanded-participation talks with Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on 10 August, BelTA has learned.

Taking the opportunity, Alexander Lukashenko congratulated the Pakistani side on the national holiday — Pakistan Independence Day — that will be celebrated on 14 August. “We know about the complicated and heroic history of your country and understand how much a nation needs peace, economic development, and prosperity,” said the Belarusian leader.

Alexander Lukashenko remarked that the Belarusian side welcomed the decision to open a Pakistan embassy in Belarus. “We will do everything for you to choose the location and build the embassy without any problems,” said the Belarusian head of state. In turn, he asked the Prime Minister of Pakistan to help the Belarusian side choose a decent location for the Belarusian embassy in the diplomatic block of Islamabad.

Interregional cooperation is an important component of bilateral relations, stressed the head of state. In his words, the first step in this direction was made in Islamabad in May when the Mogilev Oblast administration and the administration of Punjab Province signed the relevant agreement. “Now it is necessary to fill the agreement with practical content, arrange business and investment forums, cultural events,” said the Belarusian leader. “Other regions of Belarus and Pakistan will follow suit to advance contacts at such a pace.”

Alexander Lukashenko underlined that the potential of Belarus-Pakistan interaction can be fully utilized by going outside the limits of purely bilateral cooperation. In his words, it is important to implement joint projects and render mutual aid in the United Nations Organization and other international organizations.