In a significant diplomatic development, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko met in Minsk on Friday to bolster bilateral cooperation.

The discussions culminated in an agreement to collaborate more closely on food security and the manufacturing of electric vehicles and buses. Furthermore, both leaders committed to advancing joint efforts in agriculture and the production of farm machinery.

The two heads of state emphasized the importance of increasing business-to-business and defense collaboration. A strategic plan to facilitate the migration of over 150,000 skilled youth from Pakistan to Belarus is also on the horizon. During the meeting, they exchanged views on various topics, including commerce, investment, and regional affairs, expressing satisfaction with the recent positive strides in Pakistan-Belarus relations.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged the progress achieved following the eighth session of the Pakistan-Belarus Joint Ministerial Commission in Islamabad and the inter-ministerial visit to Belarus. He conveyed his gratitude to President Lukashenko for the warm reception and hospitality extended during his visit.

In a subsequent press briefing, Prime Minister Sharif expressed Pakistan”s eagerness to tap into Belarus”s expertise in agricultural and mining equipment manufacturing. He highlighted the potential benefits of joint ventures in agriculture equipment production, emphasizing that such collaborations could enhance Pakistan”s agrarian economy and improve per acre yield.

Sharif also pointed to Pakistan”s vast mineral resources, calling for cooperation in mining, defense, textile, and public transport sectors. He expressed appreciation for Belarus”s decision to welcome a significant number of skilled Pakistani workers, assuring that the workforce would be highly trained and certified.

Earlier, the two countries formalized their commitments by exchanging signed agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) covering areas such as interior, defense, environment, trade, and economy.