ISLAMABAD, April 10 (DNA): President Dr. Arif Alvi has said that Pakistan and Kazakhstan enjoy close and cordial relations based on the  foundations of shared faith, culture and heritage.

The President said this while talking to Ambassador of Kazakhstan, Barlybay Sadykov, who called on him at Aiwan-e-Sadr, Islamabad on Wednesday.

The President said that trade between the two countries is not commensurate with the true potential and emphasized that it should be further enhanced. He urged Kazakhstan to facilitate access of Pakistani commodities in Kazakh markets. He highlighted the need to explore possibilities of cooperation and joint ventures in sectors like Food Processing, Textile, Machinery and Equipment, Construction and Infrastructure.

He also stated that given the abundance of oil and gas in Kazakhstan, Pakistan’s state-owned companies can explore and invest in Kazakh oil and gas sector.

The President underscored the need for establishing air and land connectivity between the two countries, as Pakistan can provide Kazakhstan the shortest route through the newly developed Gwadar port.

The President noted with pleasure that defense cooperation has been strengthening steadily. He also appreciated the principled position taken by Kazakhstan for non-discriminatory expansion of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)’s membership.

The President underlined that Pakistan is extending e-visa facilitation to 175 countries including Kazakhstan and urged Kazakhstan to consider  introducing visa easement process for Pakistani tourists and businessmen  as well.=DNA

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