Ambassador of Kazakh Republic to Pakistan reiterates commitment to further broaden the sphere of bilateral ties between the two states
Islamabad: Center of Pakistan and International Relations (COPAIR) organized an in-house session today to discuss the “Pakistan-Kazakh Republic Relations” with Ambassador of Kazakhstan, His Excellency Akan Rakhmetullin. Purpose of the talk was to have a first-hand view of the prospects and challenges for bolstering the bilateral relations between Pakistan and Kazakhstan.
President COPAIR, Amna Malik commenced the session with her welcoming remarks and sharing a brief overview of long-standing ties between Pakistan and Kazakhstan. She extended her greetings to the Ambassador Rakhmetullin and requested him to identify various areas where both countries can cooperate and enhancetheir bilateral ties. Tazeen Akhtar (Editor Pakistan in the World) was the co-host of the session. He set the toneof the event by sharing his meticulous knowledge about the Kazakh Republic including the country’s history, political and economic landscape, involvement in International Organisations and ties with Pakistan.
H.E Akan Rakhmetullin commenced his speech by stating the fact that Pakistan was among first five countries who recognized our independence. He also highlighted the contemprary and historical similarities of both nations and shed light on the prospects of bolstering the ties between Pakistan and Kazakhstan. His Excellency was of veiw that the political and cooperation is exemplary but there is a huge potential for trade and investment which remains untapped due to instability and disconnectedness of the region. He added that, “Now due to global trends of various nature our cooperation is not in a full span, it is not availing the full range of instruments and opportunities we have.” While highlighting the key areas where both countries can collaborate, he mentioned the transit and transport agreements, raising awarness for business communities, promoting tourism, educational and cultural exchanges, and stability in Afghanistan would take the relations to new heights. He stressed that there is a need to re-establish the direct flights between metropolitan cities of both countires and to promote regional trade, technical assistance, infrastructure development etc. His Excellency vowed that he will spare no efforts to bring our good intentions into the practical implementation. In the end, His Excellency also shared his dream to bring the President of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev to Pakistan.
Along with COPAIR staff, the two-hour-long session was attended by the members of academic and think-tank community, along with media persons and students attended the session.