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| Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu calls on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad on September 9, 2025. — PID |
Pakistan and Kazakhstan Strengthen Strategic Partnership: PM Shehbaz Reaffirms Commitment to Trade, Investment, and Connectivity
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday underscored
Pakistan’s strong commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with
Kazakhstan, with a particular focus on expanding trade, investment, and
regional connectivity. The premier’s remarks came during a high-profile meeting
with Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Murat Nurtleu,
who is currently on his maiden two-day official visit to Pakistan.
The discussions revolved around deepening cooperation in
multiple areas of shared interest, including air, rail, and road connectivity,
as well as people-to-people exchanges. The visit, according to both sides, will
serve as a cornerstone for advancing ties between Islamabad and Astana.
PM Shehbaz’s Vision for Pakistan-Kazakhstan
Relations
Bilateral Cooperation Rooted in
Fraternity
During the meeting, PM Shehbaz emphasized the historical and
fraternal nature of Pakistan-Kazakhstan relations, noting that both countries
have consistently expressed the desire to broaden and diversify their
cooperation. He highlighted that Pakistan is fully committed to working with
Kazakhstan in developing stronger economic and cultural linkages.
Focus on Connectivity and Trade
The prime minister particularly stressed the importance of
connectivity, pointing out that enhanced cooperation in air, rail, and road
networks would unlock new opportunities not just for the two countries but also
for the wider Central Asian and South Asian regions. Strengthened connectivity,
he argued, will foster mutual prosperity through smoother trade flows and
increased people-to-people exchanges.
Welcoming the Kazakh Delegation
Warm Reception for Deputy PM Murat
Nurtleu
The Kazakh delegation, led by Deputy Prime Minister and
Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu, received a warm welcome in Islamabad. This
visit marks his first official trip to Pakistan, underscoring the growing
significance of bilateral ties.
PM Shehbaz extended his warm regards to Kazakh President
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, recalling his recent meeting with him in China. The
prime minister also reiterated Pakistan’s eagerness to host President Tokayev
in Islamabad later this year, which is expected to mark a new milestone in the
diplomatic history of the two nations.
Preparation for MoUs and Agreements
PM Shehbaz further offered to send a special delegation to
Astana to finalize a series of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and
agreements currently under discussion. These agreements are expected to cover
areas such as trade, investment, energy cooperation, and cultural exchanges,
and will likely be signed during the Kazakh president’s anticipated visit.
Statements from the Kazakh Side
Kazakhstan’s Appreciation
Deputy PM Nurtleu expressed his gratitude to Pakistan for
the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation. He noted that his
discussions earlier in the day with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar had been productive, covering a wide range of issues
of mutual concern.
Anticipation of a Historic Visit
Nurtleu stressed that the upcoming visit of President
Tokayev to Pakistan would be historic, laying the foundation for a “new and
exciting chapter” in bilateral relations. He reiterated Kazakhstan’s strong
interest in forging long-term partnerships with Pakistan in trade,
connectivity, and investment.
High-Level Participation
Attendees at the Islamabad Meeting
The meeting was also attended by several senior Pakistani
officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar,
federal ministers for communications, economic affairs, and railways, Special
Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi, and the foreign secretary. Their
participation highlighted the multi-sectoral nature of the cooperation Pakistan
seeks to pursue with Kazakhstan.
Reaffirmation of Strategic
Partnership
Earlier in the day, during delegation-level talks, both
countries had vowed to elevate their strategic partnership to new heights. In
their opening statements, DPM Ishaq Dar and Kazakh Deputy PM Nurtleu reaffirmed
their mutual commitment to expanding relations in trade, the economy, and other
vital sectors.
Broader Implications for Regional
Connectivity
Pakistan as a Gateway
Pakistan’s geographical location positions it as a natural
gateway for Central Asia, linking Kazakhstan and other landlocked states with
the Arabian Sea through the Gwadar and Karachi ports. This makes Islamabad a
key partner in Kazakhstan’s ambitions to diversify its trade routes and
strengthen its economic footprint in South Asia.
Potential in Energy and
Infrastructure
Both nations see immense potential in energy cooperation,
particularly in oil, gas, and renewable energy. Infrastructure development,
including rail and road networks, also stands as a priority, given its role in
boosting regional trade flows under frameworks like the Belt and Road
Initiative (BRI).
People-to-People Exchanges
Beyond trade and connectivity, both sides stressed the
importance of cultural and academic exchanges to deepen mutual understanding.
Increased tourism and student exchange programs are likely to be key areas of
focus in the months ahead.
Conclusion
The visit of Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister Murat
Nurtleu to Islamabad signals a renewed momentum in Pakistan-Kazakhstan ties.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s emphasis on connectivity, trade, and investment
reflects Pakistan’s determination to play a leading role in fostering regional
cooperation.
With preparations underway for President Tokayev’s upcoming
visit, the stage is set for both nations to formalize a host of agreements that
could redefine their partnership for decades to come. The strong mutual
commitment expressed by both leaderships highlights that Pakistan and
Kazakhstan are ready to unlock new avenues of collaboration—paving the way for
shared prosperity in Central and South Asia.