Islamabad, Pakistan
The President expressed his appreciation to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for the invitation to pay a state visit to Pakistan and thanked the people of Pakistan for the warm hospitality extended to the Kazakh delegation. He noted that he was pleased to visit Pakistan – a brotherly country with a rich history, a vibrant culture, and a strong standing on the international stage.
– Pakistan is a reliable and important partner of Kazakhstan in South Asia and beyond. Our peoples are united by centuries-old ties rooted in the legacy of the Great Silk Road, as well as by deep cultural and spiritual affinity. Our nations share common values, traditions and joint aspirations for the future. Our constructive political dialogue and enduring economic relations are underpinned by regular engagement of governments and business communities. Today, together with the esteemed Prime Minister, we signed a historic document – the Joint Declaration on establishing strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and Pakistan. By elevating our relations to a new level, we open up immense opportunities to engage across full spectrum of bilateral and multilateral agenda. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for his significant, decisive contribution to deepening friendly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation between our countries, – said the President.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev described Shehbaz Sharif as a visionary leader who is resolutely steering the country along a path of progress. His balanced and forward-looking policies are steadily strengthening Islamabad’s standing at the regional and international levels.
– Last year, Pakistan was elected as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. Its constructive and responsible steps contribute meaningfully to strengthening peace and stability in the region. Today, Pakistan possesses strong economic potential, well-developed industrial capacity, and extensive transit and transport capabilities. Its agricultural, light industry and medical products are widely represented in international markets. The dynamic development of Pakistan’s defense industry is also well recognized globally. We sincerely welcome and take pride in every achievement of the brotherly Pakistani people across various sectors, – noted the President.
The Head of State noted the substantive and productive nature of the talks held with Prime Minister Sharif.
– Important intergovernmental documents were adopted, focusing on result-orientated engagement across full bilateral spectrum. We thoroughly discussed trade, transport and logistics, industry, energy, information technologies, as well as cultural and humanitarian cooperation. Trade and economic interaction are gaining new momentum. Last year bilateral trade doubled compared to the previous year. The Roadmap for Trade and Economic Cooperation (2025–2027) is being effectively implemented. We agreed to take concrete measures to further increase trade volume with ambitious yet achievable target of reaching 1 billion dollars in the near future. Emphasized the importance of creating favorable conditions to intensify cooperation between our business communities. Particular priority will be given to transport and logistics projects aimed at expanding trade flows, – Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated.
According to the President, the Prime Minister outlined Pakistan’s growing role in transit and logistics, which could open up alternative routes for Kazakhstan to access international markets.
– In this context, we discussed the capabilities of Pakistan’s ports of Karachi, Gwadar. As one of the priority issues, we addressed the development of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor and transit routes passing through Afghanistan. Discussed the prospects for implementing the railway project along the Kazakhstan–Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan route, – the Head of State noted.
In addition, an agreement was reached to explore the prospects for resuming direct air links between the two countries, which is of key importance for the development of business ties and tourism.
– We also signed vital agreements in the agricultural sector paving the way to expanded trade and establishing joint production facilities. Both countries possess substantial industrial capabilities. I invited Pakistani companies to establish production facilities in Kazakhstan aimed at manufacturing goods. Currently, there is strong interest in agricultural processing, pharmaceuticals, and construction materials, – noted the President Tokayev.
The President stated that an agreement had been reached to expand mutually beneficial partnership in the defense industry.
– Cooperation between our security and law enforcement agencies has been developing dynamically in recent years. During the negotiations, we emphasized the strategic importance of artificial intelligence and digital technologies, especially for economic growth. We confirmed our readiness to work jointly in this field. Pakistan is one of the world’s leaders in Islamic finance. The Astana International Financial Centre has created all necessary conditions for the development of halal finance in the Eurasian space. Pakistani financial institutions can effectively utilize these opportunities. We also focused on strengthening investment cooperation. In this regard, the Joint Investment Platform established today by Samruk-Kazyna and the Fauji Foundation will explore concrete investment projects. Overall, we are ready to provide favorable conditions for Pakistani investors in Kazakhstan, – emphasized the President.
The President further noted that the Kazakhstan–Pakistan Business Forum, which they will attend, will bring together executives from more than 250 companies from both countries and will serve as a platform for the signing of commercial agreements.
– I am confident that this important event will unlock untapped potential in trade, economic, and investment relations. We also discussed the development of cultural and humanitarian cooperation. The popularity of Kazakhstan’s higher education institutions among Pakistani youth continues to grow. Currently, more than a thousand Pakistani students are studying in Kazakhstan in various fields. We agreed to further foster cooperation in science and education. The Al-Farabi, Satpayev, and Yasawi centers opened today at universities in Islamabad will contribute to deepening academic and educational ties between our countries, – he noted.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation in the fields of healthcare and sports.
– Today, we inaugurated the Kazakhstan–Pakistan “Dostyq” Sports Complex. This center will offer training in traditional Kazakh sports such as Kazakh kuresi and Togyzqumalaq, as well as chess, boxing, and mixed martial arts. We also adopted programs for holding cultural and sport events on a regular basis, which I believe will advance people-to-people ties, – stated the President.
The Head of State said that his talks with the Prime Minister of Pakistan addressed international and regional issues, with a focus on joint efforts to promote peace and security.
– We expressed concern over ongoing conflicts around the world. Our positions on many pressing issues are similar. 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 and must be upheld. In the current geopolitical environment, mutual support and consultations within multilateral organizations are particularly important. Pakistan has consistently supported Kazakhstan’s initiatives within the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA), for which we are sincerely grateful. We also discussed concrete steps toward promoting global peace and stability. In this regard, today we signed an Intergovernmental Memorandum on joint participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions. This document lays a solid basis for expanding our partnership in international peacekeeping efforts, – said the President.
In conclusion, the President emphasized that today’s visit opens a new chapter in the history of Kazakhstan–Pakistan relations.
– I am confident that the established strategic partnership and all the agreements we reached today will serve the best interests of our nations. May the bonds of friendship between our brotherly peoples remain strong, enduring, and forward-looking. I look forward to seeing and hosting a state visit of my brother, dear Prime minister of Pakistan Mr. Shehbaz Sharif later this year, – concluded Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
In turn, Shehbaz Sharif stated that Pakistan regards Kazakhstan as one of its most important partners in Central Asia.
– I am confident that the productive talks, which have yielded encouraging results, along with the signed documents, will give new impetus to the development of our bilateral relations. As our countries continue to strengthen their partnership, we look forward to opening new horizons of cooperation in trade, culture, education, and many other areas. I would like to thank you, Your Excellency, for your support in further advancing Pakistan–Kazakhstan relations, – the Prime Minister of Pakistan said.