Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu arrives in Pakistan today on a two-day official visit, setting the stage for President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s trip in November.
Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation
During his stay from September 8–9, Nurtleu will hold a one-on-one meeting with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, followed by delegation-level talks. He is also scheduled to call on President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
A 13-member delegation, including Kazakhstan’s Transport Minister Nurlan Sauranbayev, will accompany him. The visit includes Joint Working Group meetings on agriculture and IT to explore sectoral cooperation.
Trade, Connectivity, and Logistics
Pakistan and Kazakhstan maintain trade worth $239 million, though Pakistan’s exports fell by 47.12% in FY2025. Kazakhstan remains Pakistan’s largest Central Asian export market and one of the top importers of Pakistani mangoes.
The two nations are pursuing stronger connectivity. In April, they finalised a transit trade accord enabling goods movement through Karachi, Bin Qasim, and Gwadar ports. In July, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan agreed to study a major railway project linking Central Asia with Pakistani seaports.
Boosting Tourism and Cultural Ties
Beyond trade, both sides are working to promote tourism through joint campaigns and certified operator exchanges. Kazakhstan has also shown interest in launching a direct flight to Skardu, aimed at boosting people-to-people ties and cultural exchange.
The Foreign Office said the visit will “further cement Pakistan-Kazakhstan ties and deepen cooperation in trade, connectivity, and cultural exchanges.”
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