ISLAMABAD, MAR 30 (DNA) – On the sidelines of 9th Ministerial Conference of Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process, Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi met Mr. Mukhtar Tileuberdi Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, in Dushanbe.

During the meeting, both sides reviewed bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional issues.

Foreign Minister Qureshi noted that there was immense potential to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in diverse fields — including trade, aviation, railways and connectivity. It was agreed between the two sides to optimally utilize the bilateral institutional mechanisms to promote practical cooperation, particularly through the Inter-Governmental Commission (IGC), Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC), and Joint Working Groups (JWG) in relevant fields.

Highlighting that Pakistan provided the shortest route to Central Asian States through the Gwadar port, the Foreign Minister invited Kazakhstan to utilise the opportunity for mutual benefit.The importance of reinforcing road connectivity through QTTA (Quadrilateral Traffic in Transit Agreement) was also emphasized.

The Foreign Minister shared his perspective on the regional situation, particularly Pakistan’s positive contributions to the Afghan peace process. He added that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan would give impetus to connectivity, leading to overall trade enhancement, facilitation of business travel, and people-to-people exchanges.

The two sides also affirmed their resolve to enhance mutual collaboration in the multi-lateral fora including the UN, SCO, ECO, and CICA.

The two sides agreed to maintain close contact and advance bilateral cooperation in all areas of common interest.