Kazakh President Tokayev Welcomed in Pakistan with State Visit Highlights Strategic Ties

ISLAMABAD: President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan arrived at the Prime Minister’s House on Wednesday as part of his state visit to Pakistan. Upon his arrival, he was presented with a guard of honor by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and inspected it alongside the prime minister.

President Tokayev also greeted federal ministers present during a reception ceremony and later planted a sapling on the premises symbolizing friendship, sustainability, and long-term cooperation between the two countries. The Foreign Office spokesperson stated that following the ceremony, President Tokayev held a meeting with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

Ishaq Dar conveyed best wishes on behalf of the President, Prime Minister, and people of Pakistan, welcoming President Tokayev to his first state visit. During their conversation, the foreign minister underscored the importance of strengthening ties between Pakistan and Kazakhstan in political, economic, and people-to-people domains. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral engagement with a focus on trade, investment, regional connectivity, and diplomatic coordination.

The Foreign Office reported that Ishaq Dar also highlighted the need for close cooperation with Kazakhstan to achieve sustainable peace, stability, and development in the region, agreeing that both leaders should transform longstanding brotherly relations into a robust strategic partnership.

Tokayev, who arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday, is accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising senior ministers and government officials. Earlier, he was received at Nur Khan Airbase by President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, with children in traditional attire welcoming him.

During his stay, Tokayev is scheduled to hold talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, address the Pakistan–Kazakhstan Business Forum, and meet President Asif Ali Zardari. Several memorandums of understanding and agreements are expected to be signed to enhance cooperation in trade, energy, logistics, regional connectivity, and people-to-people exchanges.

Tokayev will also receive the Nishan-e-Pakistan, Pakistan’s highest civilian award, for his contributions to strengthening bilateral relations between Pakistan and Kazakhstan. The visit underscores Pakistan’s growing engagement with Central Asia and reflects both countries’ resolve to transform historical and cultural ties into tangible economic and strategic cooperation.