Islamabad: A 9-member parliamentary delegation of Kazakhstan led by Chairman of Lower House (Mazhilis) of Parliament, Yerlan Koshanov called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Prime Minister highlighted special nature of Pakistan-Kazakhstan relations which are deeply rooted in history, religion and culture. He underscored that Pakistan is keen to further deepen cooperation with Central Asian states, particularly Kazakhstan.

Recalling his meeting with Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on sidelines of CICA summit in Astana and SCO Summit in Samarkand, Prime Minister said both sides had fruitful discussions for boosting ties. He underscored need to establish and strengthen bilateral cooperation in energy, transport and transit trade and logistics sectors.

 Shehbaz Sharif said he was looking forward to Pakistan visit of Kazakhstan President. He informed that Pakistan would soon be hosting summit of leaders of Central Asian states that would focus on connectivity through road and rail links to boost regional trade and investment.

Yerlan Koshanov updated Prime Minister about meeting of Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group which was held during ongoing visit of Kazakhstan parliamentary delegation. He underlined need for exchange of parliamentary delegations that would further promote people-to-people exchanges between two brotherly countries.

Yerlan Koshanov informed that Kazakhstan can benefit from huge Pakistani market and showed keen interest in bilateral trade and cooperation in connectivity, pharmaceuticals industry and surgical and sports goods. He informed that current bilateral trade is only $ 95 million which is not commensurate with huge trade potential between two countries. Prime Minister said bilateral trade could be easily doubled within short span of time.

On behalf of people and government of Kazakhstan, Chairman’s of Mazhilis of Parliament expressed deep condolence and sincere sympathies for victims of recent catastrophic floods in Pakistan.

National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf, Minister of State for Petroleum Dr. Musadik Malik and Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Coordination Syed Tariq Fatemi also attended meeting.

Published in The Daily National Courier, December, 13 2022

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