Tazeen Akhtar
Pakistan that has been the major partner of Ukraine in East Europe block in defense cooperation is now forging working with other players in the region and next is Belarus, the arch rival of Ukraine and close ally of Russian Federation, especially in the ongoing war between Russia Ukraine.
The President of the Republic of Belarus, His Excellency Aleksandr Lukashenko, met with General Syed Asim Munir, NI(M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS), in Islamabad on 27 Nov 2024.
The discussion encompassed matters of mutual interest, prospects for defense cooperation, and regional security dynamics. The COAS emphasized Pakistan’s appreciation for Belarus’s contributions to global and regional affairs, expressing a desire to strengthen and expand bilateral ties.
President Aleksandr Lukashenko praised the Pakistan Armed Forces for their significant role in fostering regional peace and stability, as well as their sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.
Pakistan Ukraine cooperation consisted of mostly the defense material and equipment till the war erupted there. Ukraine and Pakistan jointly worked upon the manufacturing of renown Al-Khalid Tank. Pakistan always posted an ambassador of military background. The incumbent ambassador of Pakistan is Maj Gen R Nader Khan.
Ukraine Russia war halted the military cooperation between Ukraine and Pakistan. Belarus is filling the gap with recent high level engagements including Belarusian PM’s visit for SCO in Oct and now the visit of the top man, the President.
Interestingly , here there looks a consensus among the military command of Pakistan and the main opposition in the country , PTI. Former PM of PTI , Imran Khan was in Kremlin , the day Russia attacked Ukraine. He was standing by President Putin.
Further interestingly, the then military command, Gen Bajwa distanced himself from the PM’s decision to visit Russia and meet Mr. Putin at a time when the war was about to start while EU and USA were persuading Pakistan to support Ukraine against Russia.
Pakistan in the World – FEB 2024
On March 31, 2021, a year before war, Ukrainian Ambassador Markian Chuchuk called on (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa. The then COAS assured that Pakistan attaches great importance to furthering bilateral relations with Ukraine in all domains.But the then PM Imran met with President Putin next year on 25 Feb when Russia launched the attack on Kyiv through Belarus. That changed the scenario altogether and Ambassador Chuchuk could not find one another chance to meet COAS Bajwa.
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Mr. Lukashenko has received extra warm welcome from all sides that matter in Pakistan. He was invited to picturesque hill station Murree by former PM Nawaz Sharif where Prime Minister Shehbaz and CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz were also present. President Lukashenko first visited Pakistan in May 2015 to attend ECO summit. He, then visited another hill station near Murree. The then PM Nawaz reciprocated a visit to Belarus in Aug 2015.
At the lunch meeting, both leaders cherished their memories and discussed strengthening the cordial relations into meaningful cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, machinery, energy and other sectors. It was like all in the family get together that speaks a lot about close personal relations.
On his visit, President finalized 15 MoUs of cooperation with Pakistan. This visit has paved the way to a strong partnership between the two countries at a time when Ukraine is marking 1000 days of what they say “Russian Invasion”. The start of a new chapter of bilateral cooperation with Belarus by Pakistan is clear policy shift, a blow to Ukrainian as well European diplomacy in Islamabad that failed to achieve the goal set by their capitals.
Pakistan in the World – December 2024
