Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif departed for Belarus on Thursday for an official visit at the invitation of Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko. The high-level delegation accompanying the Prime Minister includes Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, as well as other federal ministers and senior government officials.
According to a statement released by the Foreign Office, the visit is aimed at reinforcing the growing partnership between Pakistan and Belarus. It follows President Lukashenko’s visit to Islamabad in November 2024, during which both countries agreed to enhance collaboration across key sectors including trade, agriculture, technology, and education.
During his stay in Belarus, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to meet President Lukashenko for comprehensive discussions focused on deepening bilateral cooperation. Both sides are expected to sign several new agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to solidify ongoing efforts to expand economic and diplomatic ties.
The visit builds on recent diplomatic engagements, including the 8th Session of the Pakistan-Belarus Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) held in February 2025 and a follow-up ministerial visit to Belarus in April. These interactions have helped lay the groundwork for a productive and impactful state-level meeting.
During President Lukashenko’s 2024 visit to Pakistan, the two nations signed eight MoUs during the Pakistan-Belarus Business Forum in Islamabad, focusing on areas such as industrial cooperation, technology transfer, and mutual investment. Both sides also expressed satisfaction over the progress of bilateral relations over the past decade.
The Prime Minister’s visit underscores Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to diversify its international partnerships and expand its presence in Eastern Europe. Sources have also indicated that former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif may make a separate visit to Belarus prior to his planned trip to London, highlighting the importance of this diplomatic engagement across Pakistan’s political leadership.
