Islamabad: Pakistan and Belarus on Wednesday agreed that there was a need for resolving the Kashmir issue through peaceful means and in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif held talks with Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko after which a joint statement was issued over the commitment of the two sides to further build the bilateral relationship.
The two leaders exchanged views on the current state of relations between Pakistan and India as well as the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.
"They underlined the need for resolution of all outstanding issues between Pakistan and India including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute through peaceful means and in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions," the joint statement issued by the Foreign Office said.
Belarus also backed Pakistan's bid for membership of Nuclear Suppliers Group, the statement said.
The two sides also reaffirmed support for an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan.
"Belarus underscored the important role of Pakistan including through the Quadrilateral Coordination Group (QCG) to promote peace and development in Afghanistan as well as in the wider region," the statement said.
Sharif and Lukashenko also decided to continue the practice of mutual support of initiatives and candidatures from both countries within international organisations.
They also agreed to develop bilateral trade and economic relations and support the activities of the Belarusian and Pakistani Trade Committee, the statement said.
Lukasheno is in Pakistan on three-day trip to deepen economic and political ties. He is accompanied by a high-level trade delegation.
