Islamabad (TDI): Pakistan and Kazakhstan on Wednesday signed a joint declaration establishing a strategic partnership, marking a historic milestone in the ties between the two countries.
The declaration was signed by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif following high-level talks in Islamabad.
Addressing a joint press briefing, Prime Minister Shehbaz described the signing as a “historic moment” for the two brotherly nations, emphasizing their shared commitment to peace, progress, and prosperity. He noted that bilateral trade currently stands at $250 million, and called for collective efforts to increase it to $1 billion within the next year, encouraging business communities from both countries to pursue joint ventures.
Prime Minister said they have agreed to Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan transport corridor to enhance regional connectivity. He said we have offered Kazakhstan full access to Pakistan’s transit infrastructure and seaport facilities.
Alluding to the immense natural resources of both the countries, the Prime Minister said collaboration in the energy sector will be a win win situation.
Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan recognizes Kazakhstan as a strategic and one of the most valued partner in Central Asia. Prime Minister assured to work closely with Kazakhstan to ensure speedy implementation of thirty seven MOUs signed today to ensure strong relations in trade, economy and culture.
Read More: Pakistan, Kazakhstan Agree to Boost Bilateral Trade to $1bn
In his remarks on the occasion, the Kazakh President said Pakistan is our reliable and important partner in South Asia and beyond. He said Pakistan is a brotherly country with a rich history, vibrant culture and well established standing on the international stage.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said peoples of both the countries are united by centuries old ties rooted in the legacy of the great Silk Road as well as by deep cultural and spiritual affinity. The two nations share common values, traditions and joint aspirations for the future.
Describing the signing of joint declaration as historic, the Kazakh President said both the countries will open up immense opportunities to engage across full spectrum of bilateral and multilateral agenda by alleviating their relations to a new level.
Appreciating the Prime Minister, the visiting President said Shehbaz Sharif is widely recognized as a wise and visionary leader who is resolutely steering his country forward. He said Pakistan’s regional and global standing continues to grow.
Alluding to the role of Pakistan in the UN Security Council, the Kazkh President said that its constructive and responsible steps contributed meaningfully to strengthen peace and stability in the region.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev also acknowledged that Pakistan possesses strong economic potential, well developed industrial capacity and extensive transit and transport capabilities. Its agriculture and medical products are widely represented in international markets.
The Kazkh President said the dynamic development of Pakistan’s defense industry is well recognized globally. He said we welcome and take pride in every achievement of brotherly Pakistani people across various sectors.
Read More: Pakistan, Kazakhstan Set to Sign Multiple Agreements to Expand Cooperation
He said both the countries have also agreed to expand mutually beneficial cooperation in the defense industry. He mentioned that cooperation between our security and law enforcement agencies have been developing dynamically in the recent years.
The Kazakh President said that the two countries have agreed to enhance their trade volume to one billion dollars in the near future.
He said priority will be given to transport and logistics projects aimed at expanding the trade volume. The Kazkh President said the two sides also discussed the capabilities of Karachi and Gwadar Ports.
He said they agreed to explore the possibility of resuming direct air connections between the two countries. He said we focused on implementing projects in the energy sector and also exchanged views on the prospects of TAPI gas pipeline.
Earlier, the two sides signed thirty seven MOUs and agreements for promotion of cooperation across diverse fields. These include petroleum, mining & geo sciences; maritime affairs, customs; railways; agriculture; Arifitical Intelligence and Digital Development; health, education, science and technology, News Exchange and Broadcasting; Information Exchange and Professional Development; Climate Change and Environmental Protection; economy; culture and humanitarian collaboration; crime prevention and sports. The two sides also signed a treaty on extradition and a transit trade agreement.
Sohail Majeed
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
