A 68-member delegation from Belarus, led by Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov, touches down in Islamabad to prepare for talks with Pakistan’s leadership

A 68-member Belarusian delegation landed in Islamabad on Sunday evening ahead of a much-anticipated state visit by Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko. The high-level delegation, led by Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov, was welcomed at the airport by Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Ambassador to Belarus Sajjad Haider Khan, and Additional Foreign Secretary Europe, Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan. The arrival marks the start of a new chapter in bilateral relations between the two countries, following the agreement in September to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing a trade roadmap for 2025-2027.

The visit comes at a crucial time for both nations, as they seek to expand their economic and diplomatic ties. Lukashenko’s official visit to Pakistan is scheduled for November 25-27, with plans for high-level discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in various sectors. The Belarusian delegation includes ministers for energy, justice, transport, and emergency situations, as well as the chairman of the Military Industry Committee. A significant contingent of 43 Belarusian business leaders is also part of the group, reflecting the commercial intent behind the visit.

During his stay, President Lukashenko will meet with Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif to discuss potential areas of collaboration. According to a statement from Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the talks will cover multiple sectors of mutual interest, including energy, transport, and defence. In addition to diplomatic dialogues, the visit is expected to result in several key agreements and MoUs aimed at further deepening bilateral relations.

The visit follows the September agreement between Pakistan and Belarus to lay out a framework for trade and economic cooperation in the coming years. Both nations are eager to explore new avenues for trade, investment, and joint ventures, with an emphasis on long-term collaboration.

Belarus and Pakistan have shared ties in various areas, but this state visit signifies a renewed commitment to elevating their partnership. The Belarusian delegation’s visit is expected to set the stage for future diplomatic and economic engagements, paving the way for closer cooperation on a broader scale.

The arrival of the Belarusian delegation has been warmly received in Islamabad, and officials are hopeful that the upcoming talks will yield fruitful outcomes. As the formal visit of President Lukashenko draws nearer, anticipation is building for a series of agreements that could reshape the relationship between Pakistan and Belarus.