Kazakhstan and Pakistan aim to increase their trade turnover to $1 billion. The development of bilateral cooperation was discussed during talks between Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The Head of State noted the symbolic nature of the visit, which coincides with the 34th anniversary of diplomatic relations. This is also Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s first state visit as President of Kazakhstan and is intended to give new impetus to relations between Astana and Islamabad. President Tokayev recalled that since the early years of Kazakhstan’s independence, Pakistan has been an important and reliable partner in South Asia. In turn, Shehbaz Sharif emphasized Islamabad’s strong commitment to expanding cooperation with Astana. Particular attention was placed on transport and logistics partnerships, which could provide Kazakhstan with alternative routes to international markets.
«In this context, we discussed the capabilities of Pakistan’s ports of Karaсhi and Gwadar. As one of the priority issues, we addressed the development of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor and transit routes passing through Afghanistan,» Tokayev said.
The parties intend to establish joint ventures in the agro-industrial sector. New capacities are currently needed for processing agricultural products, as well as in pharmaceuticals and construction materials production, the President emphasized. Another area of shared interest between the countries is the development of AI and digital technologies. And, of course, investment is the foundation of it all.
«Pakistan is one of the
world’s leaders in Islamic finance. The Astana International Financial Center
has created all necessary conditions for the development of halal finance in
the Eurasian space. Pakistani financial institutions can effectively utilize
these opportunities. We also focused on strengthening investment cooperation.
In this regard, the joint investment platform established today by
Samruk-Kazyna and the Fauji Foundation will explore concrete investment
projects. Overall, we are ready to provide favorable conditions for Pakistani
investors in Kazakhstan,»
Tokayev added.
A key outcome was the signing of a Joint Declaration on the establishment
of a strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and Pakistan. Additionally, a
number of intergovernmental agreements were concluded, covering cooperation in
industry, mining, transport and logistics, trade, phytosanitary measures, and
digitalization. A memorandum on the joint participation of the two countries in
UN peacekeeping missions was also signed.
President Tokayev also held talks with Pakistan’s President Asif Ali
Zardari. The two leaders exchanged views on key issues on the bilateral agenda
and outlined new areas for expanding cooperation.
At a ceremonial event in Islamabad, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev was awarded
Pakistan’s highest state honor. The Nishan-e-Pakistan Order was presented to
the Head of State by the President and the Prime Minister of Pakistan.
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