ISLAMABAD: Kazakhstan Ambassador to Pakistan Yerzhan Kistafin said on Wednesday the significance of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting in Pakistan for enhancing economic and trade ties among member countries.
In an interview with state-run news agency APP, he noted that Kazakhstan and Pakistan play crucial roles within the SCO framework and are poised to make substantial contributions to its economic and political landscape in the future.
Ambassador Kistafin expressed optimism that the relations between the two nations will continue to strengthen through the SCO platform. He highlighted that economic and trade activities between Kazakhstan and Pakistan are currently at their peak and will facilitate greater economic integration among SCO member states.
He mentioned that Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister, Olzhas Bektenov, participated in the SCO meeting and engaged in discussions with Prime Minister Mohammad Shehbaz Sharif on the sidelines. During their meeting, both leaders underscored the importance of enhancing trade and investment, as well as focusing on regional connectivity and security.
To achieve these common goals, they agreed on the necessity of maintaining regular high-level contacts. Ambassador Kistafin also noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reflected on his visit to Astana in July for the SCO Council of Heads of State meeting and praised Kazakhstan’s role in fostering cooperation among SCO countries.
Moreover, both sides agreed to convene Joint Working Group meetings on trade and agriculture soon, with Kazakhstan identifying Pakistan as a key trade partner in South Asia.
