Nishan-e-Pakistan conferred upon Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev
President Asif Zardari and Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Photo: Screengrab
President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday conferred the country’s highest civilian award, the Nishan-e-Pakistan, on Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during his official visit to the country.
A special investiture ceremony was held at Aiwan-e-Sadr, attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and other dignitaries.
The president also held delegation-level talks with his Kazakh counterpart with both sides agreeing to deepen cooperation in trade, connectivity, defence and regional stability.
🇵🇰🇰🇿 President Asif Ali Zardari met President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at Aiwan-e-Sadr, held delegation-level talks and conferred the Nishan-e-Pakistan. Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, connectivity, defence & regional stability. @TokayevKZ @aqorda_press pic.twitter.com/Gy0W04JYzR
Earlier in the day, Pakistan and Kazakhstan signed more than 30 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) aimed at reaching a $1 billion trade target across multiple sectors.
Addressing a joint press conference after the signing ceremony, PM Shehbaz said the current level of trade did not reflect the strength of bilateral ties or the economic potential of the two countries.
“Unfortunately, our trade volume is a meagre $250 million, which does not reflect the strength of our friendship and the potential of both countries. Let us commit to raising our trade volume to $1b within the next one year,” he said.
President Tokayev described Pakistan as a “reliable and important partner in South Asia and beyond”.
“Our people are united by centuries-old ties rooted in the legacy of the great Silk Road, as well as by deep cultural and spiritual affinity,” Tokayev said.
Read More: Pakistan, Kazakhstan sign 30-plus MoUs
“Our nations share common values, traditions and joint aspirations for the future,” he added.
Tokayev said the two sides had “signed a historical document — a joint declaration — on establishing a strategic partnership between Pakistan and Kazakhstan”.
“By elevating our relations to a new level, we open up immense opportunities to engage across the full spectrum of bilateral and multilateral agendas,” he said.
Tokayev arrived in Pakistan on Tuesday and was received at Nur Khan Airbase by PM Shehbaz and President Zardari. A six-member squadron of Pakistan Air Force fighter jets paid an aerial salute as his aircraft entered Pakistani airspace.