Pakistan, Kazakhstan sign joint declaration for strategic partnership

Islamabad: Pakistan and Kazakhstan have signed a joint declaration for the establishment of strategic partnership between the two countries.

The document was signed by Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif after talks in Islamabad today.

Addressing a joint press stakeout along with Kazakh President, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the signing of joint declaration as a historic moment in the history of two brotherly countries to pursue the shared objective of peace, progress and prosperity.

Shehbaz Sharif mentioned that the trade volume between the two countries is two hundred and fifty million dollars. He emphasized for collective efforts to take the trade volume to one billion dollars in the next one year. He said both the countries will encourage their business communities to come forward and invest in joint ventures.

The 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.

The 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.

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.

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.