Lukashenka said the level of political and parliamentary cooperation with Pakistan does not correspond to the level of economic relations.
Reform.news Editorial Team · 24 September 2026, 12:08
https://reform.news/en/lukashenka-said-the-level-of-political-and-parliamentary-cooperation-with-pakistan-does-not-correspond-to-the-level-of-economic-relations/Lukashenka Asks Pakistani Senate Chairman to Help Review Relations With Pakistan
Aliaksandr Lukashenka is dissatisfied with the development of relations with Pakistan. He wants existing agreements to be reviewed. He made the request to Pakistani Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, who arrived in Minsk on a visit.
“The level of political cooperation that exists between us, and even parliamentary cooperation, clearly does not correspond to the level of economic relations that have been established between Belarus and Pakistan today.
The last time I met with the prime minister of Pakistan, we agreed that in the near future, especially this year and next year, we would significantly intensify our economic relations”, he said.
According to him, he would like all agreements to be implemented on time.
“Shehbaz (Sharif, the prime minister of Pakistan — Reform.news) is very involved in our relations. But, frankly speaking, I would like us to do everything on time”, he added.
He then asked the Senate chairman to assist in reviewing bilateral relations.
“I have a very serious request for you. I mean your influence in Pakistan, so that within the framework of the intergovernmental commission we conduct a serious review of our relations and existing projects, and identify areas of cooperation that Pakistan and Belarus need today. So that there are no delays in implementing these projects”, Lukashenka continued.
Lukashenka also asked him to convey his greetings to the prime minister and his brother Nawaz Sharif. He recalled an option proposed by the Pakistani side during his visit to Nawaz Sharif.
“He proposed a good option (we fully support it, and we have relevant experience) to establish close interregional cooperation. If the strength, desire and work of parliamentarians are directed in this way, we can achieve a great deal in our relations. Let us use this opportunity and resolve all the longstanding problems that, unfortunately, still exist between us”, Lukashenka said.
He also identified several specific problems, in particular those related to payments.
“A very important issue is establishing normal financial exchanges and financial relations between our states. I think this is within your capabilities today, given, 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. Establishing normal payment infrastructure between our states is the issue that will significantly advance our trade and economic relations”, he said.
Lukashenka also noted that trade volumes are declining due to financial difficulties.
“Recently, we have begun to see a decline in trade between the two states. Much of this depends on the payment infrastructure that exists today. There are no problems or delays on our side. I think and hope that after your visit, these issues will also be resolved on the Pakistani side”, he said.