Chairman Senate Syedal Khan warmly welcomed Ambassador of Kazakhstan Barzhan Kastafin and appreciated the growing brotherly relations between Pakistan and Kazakhstan.
He emphasized that the historical and cultural ties between the two countries span centuries, which were forged through the ancient Silk Road. Cities like Quetta, Peshawar and Multan have been connected to the Kazakh cities of Ulaanbaatar and Almaty, which is the historical foundation of our deep relations.
The Acting Chairman Senate highlighted the importance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), saying that the project not only provides Kazakhstan with access to warm waters but also further expands trade and economic ties between the two countries.
He thanked Kazakhstan for its support for stability in the region and stressed that close cooperation between the two countries is indispensable for establishing lasting peace in Afghanistan.
The Acting Chairman, while recalling historical references, recalled that Pakistan was among the first countries to recognize the independence of Kazakhstan in 1991. The visit of the first President of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, to Pakistan in 1992 laid a strong foundation for diplomatic relations between the two countries, which were later strengthened through high-level meetings.
Referring to the visit of Hon. Benazir Bhutto (Martyr) to Kazakhstan in 1995, he said that the agreements reached during that time proved to be important in promoting bilateral investment and cooperation. Moreover, the meetings of the then Prime Minister of Pakistan, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, with the Kazakh leadership in 2010 and 2011 strengthened relations in the areas of trade, energy and regional security.
The Acting Chairman Senate, while mentioning the progress made in bilateral economic cooperation, welcomed the commencement of direct flights between Kazakhstan and Pakistan and appreciated the efforts to establish a Joint Business Council. He stressed that trade and economic relations with Kazakhstan are mutually beneficial for both countries, and expressed hope for expanding direct trade opportunities to the Middle East and Africa through the Gwadar Port.
He appreciated the growing trade volume between the two countries and stressed that the two countries can further strengthen their partnership on the basis of mutual respect and cooperation.
Later, the Acting Chairman Senate expressed the hope that people-centered diplomacy, which has been the foundation of Pakistan-Kazakhstan relations, will continue to be a source of mutual respect, goodwill, progress and prosperity in the future as well.
The Kazakh Ambassador agreed with the views of Acting Chairman Senate Syedal Khan and said that Kazakhstan will make full use of the investment opportunities available in Pakistan. There is a vast scope for investment in Pakistan. Steps are being taken to promote trade and investment. He said that with the passage of time, the relations between Pakistan and Kazakhstan are becoming stronger and stronger.
During the meeting, he stressed on further improving the communication system for the development and prosperity of the region. Regarding the exchange of trade delegations, he said that the exchange of trade delegations is very important for the promotion of trade and investment.
In this regard, he has visited Gujranwala, Sialkot, Karachi and other major cities and is taking steps to promote trade with the business community there and major companies of Pakistan. There is a vast scope for trade with Pakistan. Investment in pharmaceuticals, leather, sports goods, textiles, etc. can be benefited.
He said that Pakistan is a very important country for us and Pakistan has great geographical importance and the leadership of both countries understands this very well, therefore high-level delegation exchanges are being implemented. He also invited the Acting Chairman Senate Syedal Khan to visit Kazakhstan.
