ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Kazakhstan on Wednesday signed 37 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation across a wide range of sectors, marking a major step forward in relations between the two countries.
The agreements cover key areas including petroleum, mining and geosciences, maritime affairs, customs, railways, agriculture, artificial intelligence and digital development, health, education, science and technology, news exchange and broadcasting, professional development, climate change and environmental protection, economy, culture, humanitarian cooperation, crime prevention, and sports.
Speaking at a joint press stakeout with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif termed the signing of the MoUs a historic milestone for the two brotherly nations. He said the agreements reflect a shared commitment to peace, progress, and prosperity.
The prime minister noted that bilateral trade currently stands at around $250 million and stressed the need for joint efforts to increase this volume to $1 billion within the next year. He said both governments would encourage their private sectors to invest in joint ventures and deepen economic engagement.
Shehbaz Sharif also highlighted an agreement on the Belarus–Russia–Kazakhstan–Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan transport corridor to enhance regional connectivity. He added that Pakistan has offered Kazakhstan full access to its transit infrastructure, including seaports, to facilitate trade.
Referring to the vast natural resources of both countries, the prime minister said cooperation in the energy sector would be mutually beneficial. He reaffirmed that Pakistan views Kazakhstan as a strategic and highly valued partner in Central Asia and pledged close coordination to ensure swift implementation of all 37 MoUs.
In his remarks, President Tokayev described Pakistan as a reliable and important partner in South Asia and beyond, calling it a brotherly country with a rich history, vibrant culture, and growing international stature.
He said the peoples of both nations are connected by centuries-old ties rooted in the legacy of the Silk Road, as well as shared cultural, spiritual, and traditional values. Describing the signing of the joint declaration as historic, he said it would open vast opportunities for cooperation across bilateral and multilateral domains and elevate relations to a new level.
President Tokayev praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as a wise and visionary leader and said Pakistan’s regional and global standing continues to strengthen. He also acknowledged Pakistan’s constructive role at the United Nations Security Council in promoting peace and stability.
Highlighting Pakistan’s economic potential, industrial base, and transit and transport capabilities, the Kazakh president said its agricultural and medical products enjoy a strong presence in international markets. He added that both countries agreed to expand cooperation in the defense industry, noting steady progress in collaboration between security and law enforcement agencies.
Reiterating the shared goal of boosting bilateral trade to $1 billion in the near future, President Tokayev said priority would be given to transport and logistics projects. He added that the two sides discussed the potential of Karachi and Gwadar ports, explored the resumption of direct air links, reviewed energy sector projects, and exchanged views on the TAPI gas pipeline.
Earlier, Pakistan and Kazakhstan signed a joint declaration establishing a strategic partnership. The document was formally signed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif following their talks.
