Kazakh president to arrive in Pakistan tomorrow for two-day official visit

Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will make an official two-day visit to Pakistan on February 3-4, a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

The two countries enjoy friendly diplomatic ties, and Kazakhstan happens to be the main export destination for Pakistan among the Central Asian states.

During the visit, which he will make at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Kazakh president will be accompanied by a high-level delegation consisting of senior cabinet ministers and other high-ranking officials.

“President Tokayev is expected to meet with the President of Pakistan, hold talks with the prime minister, and address the Pakistan-Kazakhstan Business Forum.”

Kazakhstan, with its unique geographical position, provides a great opportunity for Pakistan to access Russian, Central Asian, and Eastern European markets. Kazakhstan, in terms of size and potential, is the largest economy in Central Asia.

According to the foreign ministry, President Tokayev’s visit will give Islamabad and Astana “an important and timely opportunity to undertake a comprehensive review” of bilateral relations.

The statement also said that the two countries will discuss new areas of cooperation, including trade, logistics, regional connectivity, people-to-people contacts, and explore the possibility of working together at regional and international platforms.

"The upcoming visit is a manifestation of the growing ties between Pakistan and Kazakhstan, their shared commitment to the transformation of their historical and cultural ties into strong cooperation, and their joint aspiration for peace and progress in the region," the statement said.

This visit is considered a win-win situation for both countries. For Pakistan, this will help Islamabad establish itself as a land bridge between Central and South Asia and beyond. For Kazakhstan, this will help the country diversify its international trade in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine war.

In September, when then-Kazakh deputy premier Murat Nurtleu visited Pakistan, the two countries signed the Action Plan of Cooperation to enhance their ties.