Kazakh President Tokayev arrives at PM House, reaffirms strategic partnership with Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev arrived at the Prime Minister’s House on Wednesday as part of his ongoing state visit to Pakistan, where he was warmly received by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.

Upon his arrival, the Kazakh president was presented with a guard of honour, which he inspected alongside the prime minister. President Tokayev also shook hands with federal ministers present at the reception ceremony and later planted a sapling on the premises, symbolising friendship, sustainability, and long-term cooperation between the two countries.

HIGH-LEVEL ENGAGEMENTS AND DIPLOMATIC OUTREACH

Following the reception, President Tokayev held a meeting with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, according to the Foreign Office spokesperson. Ishaq Dar conveyed best wishes on behalf of the President, Prime Minister, and the people of Pakistan, welcoming the Kazakh leader on his first state visit to the country.

During the meeting, the foreign minister underscored the importance of strengthening Pakistan – Kazakhstan relations, highlighting expanding cooperation in political, economic, and people-to-people domains. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen bilateral engagement, with an emphasis on trade, investment, regional connectivity, and diplomatic coordination.

The Foreign Office said Ishaq Dar also stressed the need to work closely with Kazakhstan for sustainable peace, stability, and development in the region, adding that both leaders agreed to transform the longstanding brotherly relations into a robust strategic partnership.

BROADER AGENDA OF THE STATE VISIT

President Tokayev, who arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday, is accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising senior ministers and government officials. Earlier, he was received at Nur Khan Airbase by President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, with children in traditional attire welcoming him.

During his stay, President Tokayev is scheduled to hold delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, address the Pakistan–Kazakhstan Business Forum, and meet President Asif Ali Zardari. Several memorandums of understanding and agreements are expected to be signed to enhance cooperation in trade, energy, logistics, regional connectivity, and people-to-people exchanges.

President Tokayev will also be conferred the Nishan-e-Pakistan, the country’s highest civilian award, in recognition of his contributions to strengthening bilateral relations between Pakistan and Kazakhstan.

The visit reflects Pakistan’s growing engagement with Central Asia and a shared resolve by both countries to translate historical and cultural ties into tangible economic and strategic cooperation.