ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: President Mamnoon Hussain on Tuesday welcomed the desire of Belarus to join China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project and hoped that it will quicken the pace of development in the region.
While talking to a Belarusian delegation led by the Chairman of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus Vladimir Andreichenko at the Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad, the president said that Pakistan regards Belarus as an important country of the region and is keen to further bilateral relations in various sectors to the mutual benefit of both Countries.
The Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, the Chairman Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari and senior officials were also present on the occasion.
The president appreciated the efforts of political leadership of Belarus to promote bilateral relations with Pakistan and hoped that the anticipated visit of the Prime Minister of Pakistan to Belarus in August 2017 year will be instrumental in furthering bilateral ties between the two countries.
Mamnoon Hussain said that positive developments on economic and political fronts between the two Countries have provided solid basis to bilateral cooperation adding that regular exchange of high level visits and parliamentary delegations is reflective of growing partnership between Pakistan and Belarus.
President Mamnoon underlined that there is scope for mutual cooperation in agriculture, pharmaceutical, manufacturing of light machinery, oil and gas sectors between the two countries.
Furthermore, the president said that Pakistan greatly values Belarusian support for its membership of Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). He noted that mutual collaboration between the two Countries at international level is of great significance and expressed gratitude on support of Belarus to Pakistani candidate for seat at Council of Administration of Universal Postal Union (UPU).
The president underscored for expanding cooperation between the two Countries in the field of defence and training.
Mamnoon Hussain said that establishment of Urdu Chair in Belarus University and Belarusian Chair in Pakistan is a positive development along with growing of bilateral relations in educational and cultural fields.
The president also felicitated on successful holding of Parliamentary election in Belarus in 2016 and hoped that it will further strengthen democracy in the country.
Speaking on the occasion, Vladimir Andreichenko said that his Country is desirous of enhancing bilateral relations with Pakistan and called for launching joint ventures in various sectors to the mutual benefits of two countries.
Vladimir Andreichenko said that there is lot of scope for investment in pharmaceutical sector of Belarus and invited Pakistani pharmaceutical companies to take advantage of the opportunities so that the former could benefit from its expertise.
The Chairman of the House of Representatives of the Belarusian National apprised that presently 50 Pakistani students were studying in Belarus and stressed the need for increasing cooperation in the fields of education and culture between the two countries to enhance people-to-people contacts.
Vladimir Andreichenko said that both Countries should work together for increasing bilateral trade as envisaged by the leaders of two countries. He also conveyed best wishes from the president and people of Belarus for the Government and people of Pakistan.
