ISLAMABAD: Belarus to Ambassador to Pakistan Andrei Metelitsa said that Belarus’s upcoming 80th Independence Day anniversary carries a profound message of peace and friendship to the global community, including Pakistan.
He highlighted Belarus’s evolution from a nation born out of a fierce struggle against colonial powers to its current status as a beacon of economic development and a significant player in world politics.
Speaking exclusively to the APP, Ambassador Metelitsa noted that July 3 marks Belarus’s liberation from Nazi invaders in 1944, particularly celebrating the liberation of Minsk. He acknowledged the enduring impact of the Great Patriotic War on Belarus, underscoring the importance of preserving historical memory.
Regarding bilateral relations with Pakistan, Ambassador Metelitsa emphasized the strong partnership, noting the upcoming 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2024.
He highlighted over 80 bilateral agreements signed since 1994, including key documents like the Islamabad Declaration and the Treaty on Friendship and Cooperation, which signify the deep trust and warmth between the two nations.
Ambassador Metelitsa also pointed out Belarus’s support for Pakistan, including high-level visits, the establishment of diplomatic missions, and efforts to facilitate people-to-people contacts through visa liberalization.
He mentioned recent developments such as visa-free entry for Pakistani citizens under certain conditions and the mutual abolition of visa requirements for diplomatic and service passport holders.
He further highlighted educational cooperation, noting Belarus’s allocation of scholarships for Pakistani students in Information Technologies as part of broader efforts to enhance direct interaction between educational institutions of both countries.
