ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Friday said that Pakistan was keen to forge closer ties with Belarus in all fields including trade, economy, defense and culture.

Talking to President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, who is here on a two-day visit to Pakistan, the Prime Minister said his visit would act as a catalyst in developing strong political and economic relations between the two countries.

The PM earlier warmly received the President of Belarus at the PM House, held exclusive and delegation level talks that covered whole range of bilateral matters.

The PM expressed satisfaction over increased exchanges between the two countries in the recent past and said there was a need to further increase frequency of bilateral visits.
 
"We also need to encourage contacts between our parliamentarians as regular interaction among them is beneficial for creating an environment of cordiality and friendship between the two peoples," the Prime Minister said.

He said current bilateral trade between the two countries stood at $60 million and was not commensurate with its potential.

He said it needs to be substantially increased and added "we need to establish close interaction between the respective chambers of commerce and industry as these will boost bilateral trade and investment."

He said there was a great scope for increasing economic relations in fields of textile, agricultural equipment, heavy machinery, tyres, pharmaceutical, dairy products and transport.

He said that Pakistan was desirous of enhancing its collaboration with Belarus in the field of defense.

"We need to explore possibilities for cooperation in the fields of culture and education," the Prime Minister said. (AFP)