Ambassador of Kazakhstan Mr Yerzhan Kistafin and CEO & Chairman of Pakistan Observer Mr Faisal Zahid Malik discuss matters of mutual interest between Pakistan and
Kazakhstan.—PO photo by Sh Arif
Kazakhstan and Pakistan enjoy a deep and strong bond of friendship based on mutual respect and understanding spanning over decades of bilateral cooperation.
These views were expressed by Ambassador of Kazakhstan Mr Yerzhan Kistafin while talking to CEO & Chairman of Pakistan Observer Mr Faisal Zahid Malik who called on the ambassador to reassure Pakistan Observer’s support in further enhancing the bilateral ties between Pakistan and Kazakhstan.
Ambassador Yerzhan while welcoming Mr Faisal Malik at his office said Kazakhstan, a significant Central Asian nation, had made remarkable progress and achieved the target of bringing prosperity to its people and stability to the country’s economy.
These achievements are the result of the determined efforts made by the leadership and the people of Kazakhstan to secure their independence and establish a unique identity, he said.
He said Kazakhstan highly valued relations with Pakistan and in the year 2022, both the countries celebrated the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
Mr Faisal Malik while reciprocating the desire for broader and stronger ties, said there existed huge potential between the two countries in diverse sectors such as industry, agricultural, mechanical engineering, military, transport and logistics and his country looked forward to exploring these areas with Kazakhstan.
Mr Faisal Zahid Malik said, it is a matter of great pride and honour for me that back in 2007, I presented on behalf of Daily Pakistan Observer, The Best-Governed State Award to H.E. Nursultan Nazarbayev, the then President of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Astana. Kazakhstan, he said, is among the Central Asian nations as the financial and commercial heart of this dynamic region.
Since its independence in 1991, Kazakhstan has captivated global attention, attracting investments of a staggering $320 billion and I believe both Pakistan and Kazakhstan can increase their bilateral trade and business manifold with the immense potential as well as a strong desire that exists at the highest level in both the countries. Pakistan is also interested in strengthening bilateral relations with Kazakhstan through the development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and other various connectivity projects which would ensure regional development and prosperity. Mr Faisal was of the view that Pakistani ports offered the shortest land route to Kazakhstan for access to the Arabian Sea which could be mutually beneficial for both countries.
He particularly mentioned the ‘Digital Bridge 2023’ forum held last year in Astana saying Kazakhstan’s achievements in information technology and artificial intelligence were remarkable.
The ambassador said Kazakhstan had achieved a milestone by digitizing the country as 60 per cent coverage of the country (20 main cities) with 5G service. The project would be completed by 2025, he added.
He appreciated Pakistan Observer’s role in highlighting Kazakhstan’s achievements and supporting its business initiatives with Pakistan and the world at large. He also presented a souvenir to Mr Faisal Zahid Malik as a token of appreciation.
