Pakistan, Kazakhstan on path of strengthening bilateral relations
Zubair Qureshi
Pakistan and Kazakhstan are determined to strengthen bilateral relations particularly, in the energy sector as Kazakhstan is rich in gas, oil and coal reserves and only through meaningful partnership with this self-sufficient energy-rich country, Pakistan’s energy woes can be addressed.
These views were expressed by Minister of State for Petroleum Dr. Musadik Malik while addressing as Chief Guest a reception held to mark the 25th Republic Day of Kazakhstan.
Congratulating Ambassador of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Kistafin on the auspicious occasion, Musadik Malik said both the countries enjoyed cordial relations for more than two decades and the time is ripe that this friendship should be translated into strong bilateral trade, people-to-people and business-to-business ties.
Referring to his recent visits to Kazakhstan, the Minister said it was quite heartening to see the Kazakh people speaking high of Pakistan and the Pakistani people. Here in Pakistan too, we reciprocate the same feeling of camaraderie and generosity towards our Kazakh brothers, he said. There are tremendous opportunities that stand untapped, he said, adding the Central Asia has emerged as the energy capital of the world and through Pakistan’s Gwadar Port these Central Asian countries have access to the global market.
Both the Pakistani and the Kazakhstan authorities are working rigorously to exploit the untapped potential between the two countries and “I am sure next year when we are celebrating the 26th Anniversary of the Republic Day of Kazakhstan, we will have realized our plans,” he said.
The minister also highlighted the importance of connectivity through rail, road and more importantly through gas pipelines. He also called for inter-regional transit and transport infrastructure development, the need for diversification, and expansion of Kazakhstan-Pakistan trade and economic ties.
Earlier in his welcoming address Ambassador Yerzhan Kistafin, highlighted the importance of the 30th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with Pakistan.
The ambassador also spoke about the history of the Republic Day of Kazakhstan, the country’s geo-strategic importance and its landmark achievement in connecting East & the West.
He also mentioned the recent meetings held between Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif and President K Tokayev in September and October respectively during international summits. These high level meetings serve to bring the people and the business community closer and prove quite helpful in strengthening bilateral relations, he said.
The reception was attended by notable personalities, parliamentarians and diplomats including Minister for Religious Affairs, Mufti Abdul Shakoor, Special Assistant to PM, Faisal Karim Kundi, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Ambassador of Turkmenistan Atadjan Movlamov, Azerbaijan Ambassador Khazar Farhadov, Ambassador of Uzbekistan Aybek Arif Usmanov, High Commissioner of Bangladesh Ruhul Alam Siddique; India, Suresh Kumar; Mauritius, Rashid Ali Subedar and South Africa Mthuthuzeli Madikiza, Ambassadors of Indonesia, Adam M Tugio; Ethiopia, Jemal Beker Abdullah; Palestine, Ahmad Jawad Rabei; Japan, Mitsuhiro Wada; Romania, Nicolas Goia, Hungary, Bela Fazekas; Belgium, Charles Delogne; Sweden Henrik Persson and others.
