ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Belarus signed 18 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) as Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif started a three-day official visit to Belarus on Monday.

The MoUs cover sectors of information, culture, education, scientific cooperation, information technology, forestry and agriculture.

An MoU declares Islamabad and Minsk sister cities.

`It is heartening to see that Pakistan and Belarus have opened their resident missions at ambassadorial levelinthe twocapitals,`the prime minister said.

`Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with Belarus.

`The dynamic leadership of President Alexander Lukashenko has propelled the bilateral ties to new heights,` he said.

`By working together we can unlock the vast potential of mutually beneficial cooperation in industrial and agricultural sectors,` Mr Sharif said.

He said that he and President Lukashenko had discussed matters related to trade, industry, agriculture, investment and joint ventures.

The issues of terrorism and narcotics also came under discussion and both leaders agreed to work together for the shared objective of peace and prosperity in the region.

`We want bilateral cooperation with Pakistan in all fields,` said the Belarusian president.

Mr Lukashenko said his country would like to participate in China-Pakistan Economic Corridor projects.

`Pakistan has a good friend in Belarus.

The prime minister expressed gratitude for warm hospitality extended to him and members of his delegation.

A warm reception was accorded to the prime minister as he alighted from his special aircraft at the Minsk International Airport.

Flags of Pakistan and Belarus fluttered atop the airport building and a red carpet was rolled out. The president of Belarus, deputy prime minister and foreign minister received Mr Sharif and his delegation at the airport.

The route from the airport to the Presidential Palace was decorated with flags of the two countries.

An official welcome ceremony was later held at the Presidential Palace.

Mr Sharif and members of his delegation were warmly received by President Lukashenko at the Independence Palace, the office of the president. The prime minister was presented a guard of honour by the contingents of the Belarusian armed forces.

National anthems of the two countries were played.

Mr Sharif will hold exclusive and delegation-level talks with the Belarusian president, meet the prime minister, the chairman of the Council of Republic (upper house of parliament) and the chairman of the House of Representatives (lower house) during his stay.

In May, President Lukashenko visited Pakistan in the first-ever visit of a Belarusian leader to the country.

Several agreements and MoUs on agriculture machinery, tractor plant, milk and dairy industry were signed during the visit.-APP