President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for the invitation to pay a state visit to Pakistan and thanked the Pakistani people for the warm hospitality extended to the Kazakh delegation. He noted that he visits Pakistan—a brotherly country with a rich history, vibrant culture, and strong standing on the international stage—with great pleasure.

“Pakistan is a reliable and important partner of Kazakhstan in South Asia and beyond. Our nations are united by centuries-old ties rooted in the heritage of the Great Silk Road, as well as deep cultural and spiritual affinity. We share common values, traditions, and a joint aspiration for the future. Constructive political dialogue and steady economic ties are reinforced by regular engagement at the level of governments and business communities. Today, together with the esteemed Prime Minister, we signed a historic document—the Joint Declaration on the Establishment of a Strategic Partnership between Kazakhstan and Pakistan. This step elevates our relations to a qualitatively new level and opens broad prospects for cooperation across the full spectrum of bilateral and multilateral agendas. I would like to especially thank Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for his tremendous personal contribution to strengthening friendly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation between our countries,” the Head of State said.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev described Shehbaz Sharif as a visionary leader who is resolutely guiding the country along the path of progress. His balanced and forward-looking policy contributes to the steady strengthening of Islamabad’s position on the regional and international stage.

“Last year, Pakistan was elected a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. The country’s constructive and responsible actions make a significant contribution to strengthening peace and stability in the region. Pakistan possesses considerable economic potential, a developed industrial base, and vast transit and transport capabilities. Products of Pakistan’s agricultural sector, light industry, and medical sector are widely represented in foreign markets. The dynamic development of the defense industry has also gained well-deserved international recognition. We sincerely welcome and highly value all the achievements of the brotherly Pakistani people in various fields,” the President of Kazakhstan noted.

The Head of State expressed satisfaction with the substantive and productive nature of the talks held with Prime Minister Sharif.

“Important intergovernmental documents aimed at achieving concrete results across the full spectrum of bilateral interaction were adopted. We discussed in detail issues of trade, transport and logistics, industry, energy, information technology, as well as cultural and humanitarian cooperation. Trade and economic interaction is demonstrating rapid growth. Last year, bilateral trade doubled compared to the previous year. The Roadmap for Trade and Economic Cooperation (for 2025–2027) is being effectively implemented. We agreed to take concrete measures to further increase trade turnover, setting an ambitious goal of reaching one billion dollars in the near future. The importance of creating a favorable environment for intensifying business ties between our countries was emphasized. Special attention will be given to transport and logistics projects designed to expand trade flows,” Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stressed.

According to the President, the Prime Minister spoke about Pakistan’s growing role in transit and logistics, which could open alternative routes for Kazakhstan’s access to international markets.

“In this context, we discussed the potential of the Pakistani ports of Karachi and Gwadar. As one of the priority issues, we also considered the development of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor and transit routes passing through Afghanistan. We discussed the prospects for implementing the railway project along the Kazakhstan–Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan route,” the Head of State informed.

In addition, an agreement was reached to explore the prospects of resuming direct air links between our countries, which is of key importance for the development of business ties and tourism.

“In the agro-industrial sector, important agreements were signed that will help expand trade ties and establish joint production. Our countries possess significant industrial potential. I invited Pakistani companies to establish production facilities in Kazakhstan. At present, the greatest interest lies in the processing of agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, and the production of construction materials,” Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted.

The President reported that an agreement had been reached to expand mutually beneficial partnership in the defense industry.

“In recent years, cooperation between our security agencies and law enforcement bodies has been developing dynamically. During the talks, we emphasized the strategic importance of artificial intelligence and digital technologies, especially for economic growth, and confirmed our readiness to work together in this area. Pakistan is one of the world leaders in Islamic finance. The Astana International Financial Centre has created all the necessary conditions for the development of halal finance across the Eurasian space, which Pakistani financial institutions can successfully utilize. We also paid attention to strengthening investment cooperation. Today, Samruk-Kazyna and the Fauji Foundation established a Joint Investment Platform designed to develop concrete projects. Kazakhstan is ready to offer Pakistani investors the most favorable conditions,” the Head of State said.

The President further stated that the Kazakh-Pakistani Business Forum, in which they will take part, will bring together leaders of more than 250 companies from both countries and will serve as a platform for signing commercial agreements.

“I am convinced that this important event will unlock the untapped potential of trade, economic, and investment ties. We also discussed the development of cultural and humanitarian cooperation. A significant increase in interest among Pakistani youth in Kazakhstan’s higher education institutions has been noted. Currently, more than one thousand Pakistani students are studying in our country in various fields. We agreed to continue cooperation in science and education. Today’s opening of the Al-Farabi, Satbayev, and Yassawi centers at universities in Islamabad will contribute to deepening academic and educational ties between our countries,” the Head of State noted.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev considers it important to strengthen cooperation in healthcare and sports.

“Today we solemnly inaugurated the Kazakh-Pakistani sports complex ‘Dostyk.’ This center will serve as a venue for training in traditional Kazakh sports such as Kazakh kuresi and togyzqumalaq, as well as chess, boxing, and mixed martial arts. In addition, programs for the regular holding of cultural and sporting events were approved. I am confident they will help deepen contacts between our peoples,” the President continued.

The Head of State reported that international and regional issues were discussed during the talks with the Prime Minister of Pakistan, with a focus on joint efforts to promote peace and security.

“We expressed concern over the ongoing conflicts in various regions of the world. Our positions on many pressing issues coincide, and we are convinced that any conflicts must be resolved through dialogue and diplomatic efforts. The principles of the United Nations Charter and international law must be consistently observed and given unconditional priority. In the current geopolitical environment, mutual support and consultations within multilateral organizations acquire particular importance. We are grateful to Pakistan for its consistent support of Kazakhstan’s initiatives within the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA). Concrete steps to promote global peace and stability were also discussed. In this regard, an intergovernmental memorandum on joint participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions was signed today. This document lays a solid foundation for expanding our partnership in international peacekeeping activities,” he said.

In conclusion, the President emphasized that today’s visit opens a new chapter in the history of Kazakh-Pakistani relations.

“I am confident that the strategic partnership established today and the agreements reached will serve the interests of both countries. May the bonds of friendship between our brotherly peoples remain strong, resilient, and future-oriented. I look forward to the state visit of my brother, the dear Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Shehbaz Sharif, to Kazakhstan this year,” Kassym-Jomart Tokayev concluded.

For his part, Shehbaz Sharif stated that Pakistan regards Kazakhstan as one of its most important partners in Central Asia.

“I am confident that the productive talks, crowned with promising results, and the signed documents will give new momentum to the development of our bilateral relations. Today, as our countries strengthen their partnership, we look forward to opening new horizons of cooperation in trade, culture, education, and many other fields. I would like to thank you, Your Excellency, for your support in further advancing Pakistani-Kazakh relations,” the Prime Minister of Pakistan said.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-islamabad/press/news/details/1155924?lang=kk