Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari has commended Ambassador of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Kistafin for his role in enhancing relations between Pakistan and Kazakhstan during his five-year tenure. The President’s remarks came during a farewell meeting at Aiwan-e-Sadr, where he noted the significant progress made in bilateral relations, highlighted by the visit of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Pakistan earlier this year. This state visit, the first by a Kazakh President to Pakistan in over two decades, marked the elevation of diplomatic ties to a Strategic Partnership.
According to Press Information Department, President Zardari emphasized the importance of implementing agreements and memoranda of understanding signed during President Tokayev’s visit. He expressed confidence in achieving the target of US$1 billion in bilateral trade within two years through ongoing engagement. The President pointed to opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, energy, mining, IT, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and defense production. He also underscored the need for enhanced connectivity across various modes of transportation.
In his remarks, President Zardari acknowledged President Tokayev and the Kazakh government for their US$1 million contribution to the Pakistan Education Endowment Fund. He also welcomed the establishment of the Kazakhstan-Pakistan Artificial Intelligence Centre in Gujranwala.
Ambassador Kistafin shared Kazakhstan’s initiatives to establish railway links with Pakistan and noted the operation of several sectoral working groups. He highlighted Kazakhstan’s efforts in education, with international university campuses providing opportunities for Pakistani students. Approximately 1,000 Pakistani students are currently enrolled in Kazakh universities.
The Ambassador also identified Kazakhstan as a potential market for Pakistani agricultural products, specifically tropical fruits. President Zardari expressed gratitude for the Ambassador’s engagement with various Pakistani sectors and conveyed his best wishes for Ambassador Kistafin’s future endeavors.