Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held crucial bilateral talks on Wednesday to expand relations in strategic fields. Both leaders witnessed the signing of multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements, covering areas such as mining and petroleum, UN peacekeeping, prisoner exchanges, maritime affairs, transit trade, customs, railways, artificial intelligence, and digital development.
They also signed cooperation agreements between Pakistan’s Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) and Kazakhstan’s state television. Prime Minister Sharif highlighted the significance of Tokayev’s visit, noting it was the first by a Kazakh president in 23 years to Pakistan. He commended the constructive discussions and emphasized both nations’ commitment to implementing MoUs for boosting economic and cultural cooperation.
Sharif mentioned that awarding “Nishan-e-Pakistan” to Tokayev reflected their close bond, with both countries being members of the Gaza peace board working towards peace and reconstruction in the region. He also highlighted opportunities to expand bilateral trade, aiming to increase the volume to one billion dollars within a year, focusing on energy, economic, and commercial sectors.
Tokayev expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and hospitality during his visit, reiterating Kazakhstan’s status as a reliable partner. He confirmed that both nations would take steps to strengthen cooperation in trade, economy, transit trade, ports, aviation, energy, science, education, and Islamic finance. Tokayev underlined challenges could be resolved through dialogue, stressing joint efforts for shared economic and trade goals.
As a symbolic gesture of their close relationship, Tokayev planted a sapling at Prime Minister Sharif’s residence during the ceremony.