ISLAMABAD, Dec 9: Pakistan and Kazakhstan have decided to explore possibilities regarding simplifying visa procedures besides institutionalizing a dialogue between two count-ries to improve bilateral political, social and economic links.

These decisions were taken at a meeting between Kazakhstan’s foreign minister Kassymzhomart Tokaev and foreign minister Khurshid Kasuri at the Foreign Office.

The Kazakh foreign minister is accompanying President Nursultan Nazarbayev, who is on a visit to Pakistan.

According to an official handout issued here on Tuesday, Pakistan and Kazakhstan foreign ministers expressed the hope that friendly atmosphere between the two countries would help ensure implementation of decisions taken by presidents of the two countries.

The follow-up mechanism that has been agreed between the foreign ministers will go a long way to promote bilateral cooperation between the two countries, it stated.

Foreign minister Khurshid Kasuri emphasised the need for a liberal visa policy to promote trade and people-to-people contact.

Foreign minister of Kazakhstan, Mr Kassymzhomart agreed to look into this matter immediately and favourably.

The meeting to consider the modalities for quick disposal of visa applications will be held soon by officials concerned of the two countries.

Both foreign ministers decided to hold annual foreign ministerial consultations between the two countries.

Senior officials of the Pakistan and Kazakhstan foreign ministries will also meet regularly to prepare for the foreign ministers’ meetings.