ISLAMABAD:The 4th round of Pakistan-Belarus Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) was held in Islamabad on Tuesday. Additional Secretary (Europe) Dr. Aman Rashid and Belarus Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrei Dapkiunas led their respective delegations.
The consultations coincide with the 25th anniversary of establishment of Pakistan-Belarus diplomatic relations. The Pakistan side appreciated the commemorative stamp issued by Belarus in this context.
While expressing satisfaction at the friendly and cordial nature of bilateral ties, both sides took stock of all dimensions of relations including in the political, economic, trade, investment, education and cultural fields.
They expressed their mutual desire for continuity of high-level interactions for further upgradation of bilateral cooperation.
The Additional Secretary briefed on the political and economic developments in Pakistan, including the improved business climate and Ease of Doing Business. Belarus companies were invited to invest in different sectors, including in agriculture, food processing, textile, information technologies and energy sectors.
The two sides exchanged views on important international and regional issues. The Belarus side was briefed on India’s illegal and unilateral actions of 5 August 2019 aimed at changing the disputed status of Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and altering its demographic structure, which were against international law and UNSC resolutions. The Pakistan side emphasized that the international community should take cognizance of the grave humanitarian and human rights situation in IOJ and K and play its role in facilitating peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
The Belarus side was also briefed on Pakistan’s support for peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan. It was emphasized that a politically negotiated settlement, led and owned by Afghans, represented the only and best way forward. The Belarus side appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role in the Afghan peace process.
The Belarus side gave an overview of the developments in its region, including relations with neighbours. The two sides expressed satisfaction at the level of cooperation at the international fora, including at the UN and agreed to continue supporting each other.
The Deputy Foreign Minister also called on Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood. Views were exchanged on bilateral matters and regional and international issues of common interest during the meeting.
The next round of Pakistan-Belarus Bilateral Political Consultations will be held in Minsk on mutually agreed dates.