President Appreciates Kazakhstan Ambassador’s Contribution To Strengthening Bilateral Ties
ISLAMABAD, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 20th Aug, 2026) President Asif Ali Zardari has appreciated Ambassador of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Kistafin’s contribution to strengthening Pakistan-Kazakhstan relations during his five-year tenure in Pakistan.
Receiving the Ambassador for a farewell call at Aiwan-e-Sadr, the President noted that bilateral relations had witnessed significant progress, culminating in the historic State Visit of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Pakistan in February 2026—the first by a Kazakh President to Pakistan in 23 years, which elevated their ties to a strategic partnership.
The President emphasized the need for effective implementation of agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed during the visit and for translating political goodwill into greater trade and investment. He expressed confidence that the target of US$1 billion in bilateral trade within two years was achievable through sustained engagement. He highlighted lucrative opportunities across sectors like agriculture, energy, mining and minerals, IT, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and defense production, while underscoring the importance of enhanced road, rail, air, and maritime connectivity.
President Zardari praised President Tokayev and the Government of Kazakhstan for a US$1 million grant to the Pakistan Education Endowment Fund and welcomed the establishment of the first Kazakhstan-Pakistan Artificial Intelligence Centre in Gujranwala.
The Ambassador informed the President that Kazakhstan is pursuing railway connectivity with Pakistan, and that six sectoral working groups covering trade, transport, energy, agriculture, IT, and education were already operational. He noted that Kazakhstan has established campuses of several leading international universities, providing affordable educational opportunities to students from countries including Pakistan. Approximately 1,000 Pakistani students currently study in Kazakh universities.
The Ambassador suggested that Kazakhstan could serve as a potential market for Pakistani fruits like mangoes, guava, falsa, and other tropical varieties.
The President expressed appreciation for the Ambassador’s active engagement with the Government, business community, and academic institutions. He conveyed his warmest regards and best wishes to President Tokayev and wished Ambassador Kistafin success in his future endeavors.
