ISLAMABAD: Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Pakistan Mr Yerzhan Kistafin called on Federal Minster for Economic Affairs, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq here in the Ministry of Economic Affairs on Wednesday.
Matters of mutual interest were discussed in the meeting. The Minister acknowledged the brotherly relations between Kazakhstan and Pakistan that established since the independence of Kazakhstan. He said trade and cooperation have steadily grown between the two nations but both countries need to work more on it.
The Ambassador apprised the Minister that the 11th Session of Kazakh-Pak Intergovernmental Joint Commission (IJC), under co-chairmanship of Deputy Prime Minister- Minister of Trade and Integration Kazakhstan, is going to be held in Islamabad next month. He highlighted the development areas that are on agenda of the session. These sectors include; Connectivity through land and air routes, Trade relations, Agriculture sector, Energy sector, Banking channels, Education sector and investment opportunities.
Moreover, the Ambassador highlighted that the Republic of Kazakhstan is keen to provide 70,000 tons of Additional Humanitarian Assistance of tents, winter clothes and sleeping bags to flood affected areas in Pakistan. Minister for Economic Affairs appreciated the Humanitarian Assistance and stressed on pushing development in railways and power sector. He said Connecting to Central Asia is in keen interest of both the countries.
Both countries need to explore ways to increase bilateral relations through land and air connectivity. The Secretary Economic Affairs Division also acknowledged the friendly relations between both nations and assured complete assistance in signing of MoUs and Inter-Ministerial Meeting (IMM) to finalize agenda of the 11th IJC session.