ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Kazakhstan have established a strategic partnership, marking a significant milestone in their bilateral relations. The agreement was signed in Islamabad by Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Prime Minister Sharif called the agreement a historic step toward mutual peace, progress, and prosperity. He stressed the need to increase the current $250 million trade volume to $1 billion within a year, encouraging joint ventures between business communities. Both nations agreed to develop a transport corridor connecting Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, with Pakistan offering its transit infrastructure and seaport facilities to enhance regional connectivity.
Sharif highlighted opportunities for energy sector collaboration and reaffirmed Kazakhstan as a strategic partner in Central Asia. He emphasized the importance of implementing 37 recently signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) covering trade, economy, and culture.
President Tokayev praised Pakistan as a reliable South Asian ally with a strong historical and cultural bond rooted in Silk Road connections. He commended Pakistan’s global contributions, including its role in promoting peace as a UN Security Council member, and highlighted its economic, industrial, and defense strengths.
Both leaders agreed to boost defense cooperation and law enforcement collaboration while reaffirming their $1 billion trade target and prioritizing logistics and transport projects. Discussions included maximizing the use of Karachi and Gwadar Ports, reviving direct air links, and exploring energy initiatives like the TAPI gas pipeline.
Earlier, the two nations signed 37 agreements across various sectors, including petroleum, mining, healthcare, education, climate change, and artificial intelligence. A treaty on extradition and a transit trade agreement were also finalized.
This partnership underscores the nations’ commitment to strengthening ties across multiple sectors for mutual benefit and regional development.
