Welcome to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
At the invitation of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, President of the Republic of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko visited Islamabad from 25-27 November 2024.
During his visit to Islamabad, President Lukashenko held extensive talks with the Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. The two sides discussed areas of bilateral cooperation and engagement; and key regional and global developments. The two sides reaffirmed the commitment to promote mutually beneficial cooperation, deepen political dialogue, strengthen inter-parliamentary exchanges, and enhance trade and economic cooperation.
The two leaders signed several agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) focussing on cooperation in environmental protection, disaster management, halal trade, financial intelligence sharing, vocational education and science & technology.
A key outcome of the visit was signing of the “Roadmap for Comprehensive Cooperation between Pakistan and Belarus for 2025-2027”. The roadmap outlined a strategic framework for enhancing economic ties through high-level meetings, inter-governmental commissions, and targeted collaborative initiatives, reinforcing the importance of regional economic integration, connectivity and legal frameworks needed to facilitate bilateral economic collaboration.
Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, is on an official visit to Moscow, on a special invitation of his Russian counterpart, Chairman of the State Duma of the Russian Federation, Volodin Vyacheslav Victorovich.
In Moscow, the National Assembly Speaker held bilateral meetings with the Chairman of the State Duma, Volodin Vyacheslav Victorovich; Chairperson of the Federation Council, Valentina Matvienko; Vice Chairman of State Duma, Alexander Babakov ; and Deputy Chairman of the Council of Muftis Damir Mukhetdinov.
The visit aims to further strengthen and expand friendly ties between the governments and the people of the two countries through parliamentary exchanges.
An MoU will also be signed between the State Duma and the National Assembly of Pakistan, on expanding parliamentary cooperation and exchanges.
Foreign Secretary Ms. Amna Baloch participated in the second meeting of the “Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution” held in Brussels, Belgium yesterday.
At the forum, the Foreign Secretary reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause. She called for a ceasefire in Gaza; a comprehensive approach for resolution of the Palestinian question, with the establishment of a sovereign and independent State of Palestine, with pre-1967 borders and Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital; and full membership of Palestine in the United Nations. The Foreign Secretary also emphasized the imperative for the international community to intensify its efforts for lasting peace in the region.
On this International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, Pakistan reaffirms its unwavering solidarity and support for the people of Palestine in their pursuit of justice, freedom, and dignity. We also reaffirm our strong support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital, based on pre-1967 borders.
Pakistan welcomes the recent ceasefire agreement in Lebanon and calls on all parties to fully uphold and implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. We firmly support Lebanon’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and stability; and stress the urgent need for humanitarian assistance to those affected; the safe return of displaced persons; and facilitating the reconstruction of conflict-affected areas.
We believe this ceasefire is a critical step towards de-escalating tensions and preventing a broader conflict in the region. Pakistan hopes that the ceasefire agreement will set the stage for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza Strip and other occupied Palestinian territories; an end to genocide in Gaza; and humanitarian relief to the Palestinian people.
Last week, four Kashmiri civilians were subjected to severe torture at an Indian Army Camp in Chas area of Mughal Maidan, Kishtwar in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Causing significant outrage across IIOJK, the incident is the latest in a series of similar abuses spread over the last several decades. We express grave concern over this disturbing incident, and demand that the perpetrators of the custodial torture are held accountable.
Pakistan will continue to extend political, diplomatic, and moral support to our Kashmiri brothers and sisters for the just and peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN Security Council Resolutions.
Now an Announcement:
Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar will undertake an official visit to Mashhad, Iran from 02-03 December 2024 to attend the 28th Meeting of Council of Ministers of Economic Cooperation Organization.
In his address at the Meeting, Deputy Prime Minister will reiterate Pakistan’s commitment to the ECO Charter and highlight the potential of greater connectivity in the ECO region, through development of road and rail networks; liberalization of visa regimes and simplification of border procedures; and to attain sustainable growth and enhance geo-economic potential of the ECO region. The Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister will also reiterate the Pakistan’s concerns over hostilities in the Middle East, endangering the regional peace and security.
Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister will sign the ‘Charter for ECO Clean Energy Center’ and hold bilateral meetings with participating ministers and other dignitaries on the sidelines of the Ministerial Meeting.
Sub Editor: Ghufran