Pakistan, Belarus agree to deepen cooperation ahead of Joint Ministerial Commission

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a series of high-level bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Belarus, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) meeting in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan, reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to strengthening regional partnerships and expanding economic cooperation.

In his meeting with Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov, the two sides reviewed bilateral relations and reaffirmed their resolve to deepen cooperation across a range of sectors. They also expressed optimism about the upcoming ninth session of the Pakistan-Belarus Joint Ministerial Commission, which Pakistan will host next month, and agreed to maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges.

The two ministers discussed expanding collaboration in trade, defence, agriculture, technology and workforce exchange, while reiterating their commitment to implementing the Roadmap for Comprehensive Cooperation (2025-2027).

They also exchanged views on regional developments and issues of mutual interest. Foreign Minister Ryzhenkov appreciated Pakistan's constructive diplomatic role during the recent US-Iran crisis and commended Islamabad's continued efforts to promote regional peace and security.

Dar also met Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov, with both leaders reaffirming the strength of the Pakistan-Uzbekistan strategic partnership and reviewing progress in bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, connectivity, energy, culture and people-to-people exchanges.

The two sides emphasised the importance of sustained high-level engagement and stronger interaction between their business communities to further enhance economic ties. They also discussed cooperation at regional and multilateral forums and stressed the need for the timely implementation of understandings reached during Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's visit to Pakistan earlier this year.

Foreign Minister Saidov appreciated Pakistan's diplomatic efforts to promote regional peace and stability, including its role in facilitating the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), expressing hope that continued dialogue and diplomacy would contribute to lasting peace in the region. Both ministers agreed to remain in close contact.

Separately, Dar held talks with Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin, during which the two leaders reaffirmed the longstanding brotherly ties between Pakistan and Tajikistan and expressed their shared commitment to expanding cooperation in trade, investment, connectivity, energy, culture and people-to-people exchanges.

The two ministers underscored the importance of sustained high-level contacts to further strengthen bilateral relations.

Foreign Minister Muhriddin reaffirmed Tajikistan's support for Pakistan's efforts to promote regional peace, stability and the peaceful resolution of regional issues.

The two sides also exchanged views on regional and international developments and emphasised enhanced cooperation at multilateral forums to advance shared goals of peace, stability and prosperity.