By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan and Kazakhstan agreed to establish a strategic partnership and deepen cooperation across multiple sectors after signing 37 agreements and memorandums of understanding (MOUs) during President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s maiden state visit to Islamabad.

 

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called the visit a “historic moment,” noting that it was the first by a Kazakh president in 23 years. “We have agreed to establish a strategic partnership between our two brotherly nations to pursue the shared objectives of peace, progress, and prosperity,” he said at a joint press stakeout.

 

Sharif highlighted the need to expand economic ties, describing the current bilateral trade of about $250 million as insufficient. “Let us make a commitment that we will take up our trade volume to $1 billion in the next one year,” he said, encouraging businesses from both countries to invest in joint ventures.

 

He added that both sides had agreed on a transport corridor linking Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan to enhance regional connectivity, while Islamabad offered Kazakhstan access to its transit infrastructure and seaports.

 

On global issues, Sharif expressed hope for lasting peace in the Middle East. “Let us hope and pray that through our joint efforts, we will be successful in bringing long-lasting peace in Gaza, its reconstruction, and make the two-state solution a reality as soon as possible,” he said.

 

President Tokayev said the agreements marked “a new beginning in the history of Kazakh-Pakistan relations” and voiced confidence that the partnership would serve the long-term interests of both nations.

 

Stressing shared views on international affairs, he said, “We believe that any conflict must be resolved through dialogue and diplomatic means. The principles of the United Nations Charter and international law should always prevail.”

 

He also welcomed the signing of a memorandum on joint participation in UN peacekeeping missions, saying it “lays a solid basis for expanding our partnership in international peacekeeping efforts.” Tokayev underscored the importance of mutual support within multilateral organizations and expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s backing of regional initiatives.

 

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening trade, energy cooperation, and regional stability, with Tokayev saying he looked forward to hosting Prime Minister Sharif on a state visit later this year as the two countries seek to build a forward-looking and enduring partnership.