Meeting with Chairman of Pakistan’s Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani

Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko met with Chairman of Pakistan's Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani in Minsk on 24 September.

In welcoming the distinguished guest and the Pakistani delegation, the head of state pointed to Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani's extensive experience across various positions, including in the executive and legislative branches, and noted his practical expertise, especially in economics.

"I have a very serious request for you, given your standing in Pakistan, that within the intergovernmental commission we take a serious look at our relations and existing projects, and identify the areas of cooperation that Pakistan and Belarus need today. So that there are no delays in delivering these projects," the head of state said.

The head of state noted that good relations had been established between the leaderships of the two countries. "This gives hope that we will achieve much more. Although we are already performing quite well, the current level of our political and parliamentary interaction clearly lags behind the economic potential between Belarus and Pakistan," the President said.

Aleksandr Lukashenko recalled that during a meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, an agreement was reached to significantly boost economic ties in the near future, especially this year and next. "Shehbaz is deeply invested in our relations. But, to be frank with you, I would like us to do everything on time," the head of state emphasized.

"A very important issue is establishing normal financial exchange and normal financial relations between our states. I believe this is within your power today, considering above all the role you play in the world - especially in connection with what you are doing to resolve the conflict in the Strait of Hormuz," the President said.

The head of state expressed confidence that building a normal payment infrastructure between the states would significantly boost trade and economic cooperation, which is currently experiencing a slight downturn.

"Recently, our bilateral trade has started to slow down. To a large extent, this depends on the payment infrastructure currently in place. There are no problems or delays on our side [regarding payment clearance]. I believe and hope that following your visit to Belarus, these issues will be resolved on the Pakistani side as well," the Belarusian leader said.

Taking the opportunity, Aleksandr Lukashenko asked that his warmest greetings and wishes of good health be conveyed to current Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. The President thanked them for all they have done to develop Belarusian-Pakistani relations. "I very much hope we will accomplish a great deal in the future as well," the head of state added.

The Belarusian leader referred to a proposal made by the Pakistani side during his visit to Nawaz Sharif. "He suggested a good option (we fully support it and have the relevant experience) to build close interregional cooperation. If the strength, will and work of MPs are directed along these lines, we can achieve much in our relations," the head of state stressed.

"Let us take this opportunity and resolve all the long-standing issues that, unfortunately, still exist between us," the President added.

For his part, the chairman of the Senate of Pakistan thanked the Belarusian head of state for the warm reception extended to him personally and to the entire delegation. "This is my first visit to Belarus. And we regard our friendship as something very important," he noted.

He also extended greetings to the President of Belarus and the chairwoman of the Council of the Republic on the 30th anniversary of the upper chamber of parliament.