A seminar focused on the future of cooperation between Kazakhstan and Pakistan was held at the Institute of Regional Studies under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, with the participation of the Ambassador of Kazakhstan, H.E. Mr. Yerzhan Kistafin, DKNews.kz reports.
The event brought together representatives of the academic community, leading analytical centers, students specializing in international relations and regional studies, as well as members of the diplomatic corps. The broad composition of participants highlighted growing interest in Kazakhstan-Pakistan relations not only at the governmental, but also at the expert and academic levels.
From political dialogue to economic and security cooperation
In his address, Ambassador Yerzhan Kistafin outlined the key areas and practical mechanisms for strengthening cooperation between Astana and Islamabad. He emphasized that bilateral relations are developing across a wide range of fields, reflecting a shared interest in long-term and mutually beneficial partnership.
Among the priority areas, the Ambassador highlighted the importance of advancing political dialogue, strengthening trade and economic ties, enhancing regional connectivity, expanding cooperation in the field of security, promoting cultural exchange, and coordinating efforts on international platforms. According to him, these areas form a solid foundation for stable and predictable relations in an increasingly complex global environment.
Transit and logistics: a shared regional advantage
A significant part of the discussion focused on transit, transport, and logistics. Ambassador Kistafin underscored the strategic role of Kazakhstan and Pakistan as key transport and logistics hubs linking Central and South Asia.
Thanks to their geographic position, both countries have the potential to play a connecting role in emerging regional and interregional transport corridors. The development of such routes could contribute to increased trade flows, improved supply chains, and deeper regional integration, opening up new opportunities for business and investment.
National Kurultai priorities and Kazakhstan’s transport ambitions
Highlighting the priority importance of the transit and transport agenda, the Ambassador drew attention to the key outcomes of the 5th meeting of the National Kurultai, held in Kyzylorda. He placed special emphasis on the instructions of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan aimed at strengthening the country’s position as a major international transport and logistics hub.
The development of East-West and North-South corridors, he noted, is a strategic task that aligns Kazakhstan’s domestic development goals with broader regional connectivity initiatives. In this context, cooperation with Pakistan is seen as an important component of Kazakhstan’s long-term transport and logistics strategy.
During the discussion, participants exchanged views on the opportunities and challenges associated with implementing bilateral projects, as well as on potential avenues for further deepening cooperation within a broader regional framework.
Experts stressed the importance of dialogue platforms that bring together diplomats, analysts, and students to foster mutual understanding and generate practical ideas.
At the conclusion of the event, Ambassador Yerzhan Kistafin expressed his gratitude to the Institute of Regional Studies and to the Head of the Institute, Ambassador Jouhar Saleem, for the high level of organization and the substantive nature of the discussions.
