BEIJING: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif held separate meetings with leaders of Vietnam, Belarus and Ethiopia on the sidelines of One Belt, One Road Forum here on Sunday.

In his talks with Vietnamese President Tran Dani Quang, Mr Sharif said that Pakistan considered Vietnam as an important country and wanted to boosteconomicrelationswithit.

He stressed the need for the two countries to strengthen and explore their business and investment opportunities.

The prime minister expres-sed satisfaction over the bilateral political consultation and working of Joint Ministerial Commission and Joint Trade Commission between the two countries.

Mr Sharif also met President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko and discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral ties.

The two leaders focused on increasing trade between the two countries and emphasised exploring their investment potential in diverse fields, particularly agriculture, culture and education sectors.The two leaders also focused on regional connectivity and its importance in bringing improvement to the lives of the peoples of the two countries.

President Lukashenko extended an invitation to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to again visitBelarus,whichheaccepted.

The prime minister also met Prime Minister of Ethiopia Hailemariam Desalegn and discussed matters of mutual interest and bilateral issues.

Mr Sharif called for enhancing bilateral ties by promoting cooperation in multiple spheres.-APP