Pakistan, Belarus sign deals for cooperation

Pakistan and Belarus signed a series of Memorandums of Understanding and agreements here on Friday to boost cooperation in various fields, officials said.

Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko, who is on a two-day visit, and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif witnessed signing of the agreements in science and technology, investment, agriculture, industries, education, media, culture and law and justice.

One of the MoUs envisages the establishment of consultation mechanism between the foreign ministries and another agreement sees the creation of a joint business council.

At a joint press conference, Prime Minister Sharif described his talks with the Belarussian president as very productive, saying they agreed to enhance cooperation in all fields, including trade, industry, agriculture, investment, culture, education and people-to-people to contacts.

"We also discussed regional and international issues and agreed to work together for shared objective of peace and prosperity. The two countries agreed to continue cooperation at international organizations," he said.

Lukashenko invited Pakistani businessmen and investors to visit Belarus to do their businesses.

"My country is interested in joint ventures in different areas with Pakistani side for bringing the two countries closer together. Belarus seeks cooperation from Pakistan in the industrial and textile sector as Pakistan has the required raw textile raw material," said the president.

This is the first ever visit by a Belarussian president to Pakistan.