What is required to be sincerely done is to exploit this potential to the mutual benefit of the two countries
ISLAMABAD: Bilateral relations between the Republic of Kazakhstan and Pakistan commenced in December 1991. In February 1992, diplomatic and consular relations were established during an official visit by Kazakhstan President Nursultan Abishevich Nazarbayev to Pakistan. Kazakhstan is an emerging market for Pakistani goods. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s decision to undertake the recent two-day visit to Kazakhstan couldn’t have been more appropriate and timely, particularly at a time when Pakistan is seriously engaged in implementing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project, which could prove to be beneficial for Kazakhstan too. During their meeting last week, both leaders agreed to further bolster bilateral ties through greater collaboration in trade, economy, energy, science and technology, and education for the mutual benefit of the people of both nations. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, during a joint press conference with President Nazarbayev, informed the media that the two leaders agreed to reinforce existing economic cooperation by utilising existing institutional mechanisms to the optimum level, adding that the level of current bilateral trade does not match the actual potential. He emphasised the need to give further boost to trade and economic relations between the two countries.
On his part, President Nazarbayev stated that his country considers Pakistan an important nation of the region, and one that is courageously fighting the war against terror. He highlighted the innate ties between the two countries and said the Pakistani premier’s visit would give further momentum to their ties. He said Kazakhstan desires increase in exports, besides enhanced security cooperation and mentioned the memorandums of understanding signed between the two countries, which would further augment their ties. President Nazarbayev also expressed interest in initiating trade through the Gwadar Port. Prime Minister Sharif said that besides cooperation in the oil and gas sectors, joint ventures in textiles and pharmaceuticals were also potential areas of cooperation between the two nations. Undoubtedly, tremendous potential exists for mutually beneficial cooperation in the areas highlighted and discussed during the bilateral meeting between the two leaders. What is required to be sincerely done is to exploit this potential to the mutual benefit of the two countries to the maximum possible extent.
M FazalElahi
Published in The Express Tribune, September 1st, 2015.
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