Zubair Qureshi
Kazakhstan and Pakistan are tied in friendly bilateral relations since the day Kazakhstan opened its embassy in Islamabad back in 1994 and launched a number of initiatives that aim at promoting trade, investment, tourism, education and energy sectors between the countries.
Still there is room for executing the untapped potential and under the current leadership of both countries, friendly relations between Kazakhstan and Pakistan will be further strengthened.
Ambassador of Kazakhstan Akan Rakhmetullin said this while speaking at a reception hosted by the Embassy of Kazakhstan to mark the Independence Day of the country.
Federal Minister for Privatization, Muhammad Mian Soomro was the chief guest on the occasion while a large number of ambassadors, diplomats, parliamentarians, members of civil society, officials of the government of Pakistan and citizens and families of the Central Asian countries’ ambassadors attended the reception. The hall of the Serena Hotel was tastefully decorated with colours of Kazakhstan and friends and colleagues greeted Ambassador Akan Rakhmetullin and his spouse on the auspicious occasion.
In his address, Federal Minister Soomro said Pakistan also valued its relations with Kazakhstan and the two countries are engaged in a number of bilateral agreements. Pakistan is keen to enhance its economic cooperation with Kazakhstan and hopefully, cooperation will enhance further between the two countries in the coming days, he said.
Ambassador Akan Rakhmetullin said although a lot has been achieved in Pakistan-Kazakhstan relations, yet there is still plenty of opportunities to expand our mutually beneficial ties, particularly in trade and economic cooperation, cultural, education and tourist exchange. “I will be trying my best to bring our partnership to the new qualitative level,” he said.
Kazakhstan he said is an integral part of Central Asia – a region connected with centuries-old links with South Asia. “This is what defines our foreign policy towards brotherly Pakistan and we are grateful and proud that Pakistan was among the first countries that recognized our Independence,” said the ambassador .
Ambassador also shared his story of diplomatic journey that started in Pakistan back in 1994 when Kazakhstan opened its Embassy in Islamabad. “ I was a young attaché then and now I am back after twenty five years as an ambassador – proud and honoured. Said he to a cheering audience.
Indeed our countries have attained a lot during this period of fruitful cooperation and partnership.
