ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Kazakhstan have reaffirmed their commitment to enhance bilateral trade and raise its volume to $1 billion within the next year, underscoring a shared resolve to strengthen economic and strategic cooperation.
The commitment was reiterated during a signing ceremony of several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements between the two countries, held in Islamabad in connection with the official visit of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
Addressing the ceremony, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warmly welcomed President Tokayev and his delegation, describing the visit as highly significant for opening a new chapter in Pakistan-Kazakhstan relations. He noted that this was the first visit by a Kazakh president to Pakistan in 23 years, calling it a milestone in bilateral ties.
The prime minister said that his talks with President Tokayev were positive and constructive, and both sides were determined to ensure effective implementation of the signed agreements. He expressed confidence that these MoUs would translate into tangible outcomes, leading to enhanced economic, trade, and cultural cooperation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that both countries possess vast potential to expand trade, energy cooperation, and investment partnerships. He said Pakistan and Kazakhstan would work jointly to explore new avenues of collaboration, particularly in the energy and economic sectors.
He also highlighted the importance of peace in Gaza, expressing hope for lasting stability and reconstruction in the region. He noted that both Pakistan and Kazakhstan are members of the Gaza Board of Peace, a platform aimed at promoting peace and humanitarian efforts.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, speaking on the occasion, thanked the government and people of Pakistan for the warm hospitality. He described Pakistan as a trusted and reliable partner and expressed pleasure over his official visit.
The Kazakh president said that the signed agreements and joint declaration hold great significance for strengthening bilateral relations. He appreciated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s role in deepening ties between the two countries and praised Pakistan’s efforts for regional peace and stability.
President Tokayev also acknowledged Pakistan’s internationally recognized progress in the defence sector, adding that discussions with the prime minister were constructive and forward-looking. He reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to working closely with Pakistan to achieve the $1 billion trade target and further expand cooperation in trade and economic sectors.
