ISLAMABAD: Ambassador of Kazakhstan Mr Yerzhan Kistafin on Monday appreciated Pakistan’s role in advancing regional peace and said his country was interested in strengthening ties with Islamabad.

The ambassador had a meeting with SenateChairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani at the Parliament House. Mr Kistafin expressed Kazakhstan’s keenness to expand cooperation with Pakistan across multiple sectors.

The Senate chairman commended the ambassador for the latter active contribution to strengthening Pakistan-Kazakhstan relations.

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to its longstanding and cordial ties with Kazakhstan, grounded in mutual respect, shared values, and a common vision for regional peace and prosperity.

The two sides held comprehensive discussions on matters of mutual interest, including political and parliamentary cooperation, trade and economic collaboration, and regional connectivity. The Senate chairman termed the recent state visit of Kazak President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Pakistan a landmark development that has elevated bilateral relations to the level of a strategic partnership.

Highlighting the importance of parliamentary diplomacy, the Senate chairman underscored the need to strengthen institutional linkages between the legislatures of both countries. He called for regular high-level exchanges and the reactivation of parliamentary friendship groups to foster greater engagement and exchange of best practices.

On economic cooperation, the Senate chairman noted positive momentum in bilateral trade, particularly in the agriculture sector.

He emphasised enhanced connectivity, including the establishment of direct air links, to facilitate trade, tourism, and people-to-people contacts.

Regional cooperation also featured prominently in the discussions. The Chairman Senate reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to promote regional market access and support initiatives aimed at strengthening inter-regional linkages, noting that peace and stability remain essential prerequisites for sustainable economic growth.

Published in Dawn, May 5th, 2026