Kazakhstan-Pakistan direct flights to boost multilateral cooperation: Yerzhan Kistafin

Islamabad, The Gulf Observer: Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Pakistan, H.E.Yerzhan Kistafin has said that direct flights between Kazakhstan and Pakistan to be started from 8th of this month, will surely strengthen the economic, social and cultural integration of both the countries. He said that initially this direct flight will ply between Almaty and Lahore.

Terms Pakistan’s vision of regional economic and trade integration as very important, in which Central Asia, especially Kazakhstan occupies great significance

The Ambassador said this while addressing a round table entitled ‘Kazakhstan, Pakistan bilateral ties and way forward here at the National Press Club (NPC) Islamabad.

The Ambassador said that the top leadership of both the brotherly countries is determined to strengthen and promote bilateral economic, trade and diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The Ambassador further said that Pakistan’s vision of regional economic and trade integration is very important, in which Central Asia, especially Kazakhstan, has great significance.He said that there is a lot of attraction in the ports of Gwadar and Karachi through which Kazakhstan, including Central Asia, can be accessed to the markets of Europe and Africa.

He added that Kazakhstan is currently the third largest exporter of wheat in the world and there are wide possibilities for enhancing cooperation with Pakistan.

Describes media role as of paramount importance in further cementing the relations between the two states

The envoy added that Kazakhstan is an important member of the Eurasian Organization and Pakistan can also derive benefit from this position.

To a question he said that after the success of the direct flight between Astana and Lahore such air service will be started between other big cities like Islamabad, Peshawar and Karachi.

He informed that Kazakhstan enjoys immense potential of for investment and that direct foreign investment of $28 billion has taken place during 2022-23.

Similarly, in the last 10 years, foreign investment of $400 billion came to Kazakhstan, which itself is a proof of investment friendly environment prevails in his country.

The Ambassador went on to say that Pakistan and Kazakhstan have vast possibilities of cooperation in the fields of agriculture, education, sports and tourism. He said that the role of media is very important in further cementing the relations between the two countries.

On this occasion, Dr. Talat Shabbir Director Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad said that Kazakhstan and Pakistan posses wide range of possibilities of economic, trade and diplomatic cooperation for the benefit of the people of both the sides.

Dr. Talat Shabbir said that so far 35 bilateral MoUs have been signed between the two countries in various fields which itself is an encouraging sign.

Secretary Finance National Press Club Islamabad, Nayyar Ali in her concluding remarks said that entire Central Asia is very important for Pakistan but Kazakhstan enjoys a vital position.