DUSHANBE, Tajikistan: Prime Minister Imran Khan has underlined that Pakistan is resolved to comprehensively upgrade engagement with Central Asian Countries through its “Vision Central Asia” policy.
In a bilateral meeting with President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held on the sidelines of the SCO Council of Heads of State meeting in Dushanbe on Thursday, the prime minister particularly emphasized the importance of connectivity and Pakistan’s pivotal position in providing the shortest access route to the sea.
During the meeting, the two leaders exchanged views on Pakistan-Kazakhstan bilateral relations and discussed key regional and international issues.
The leaders affirmed the commitment to enhance Pakistan-Kazakhstan relations in diverse fields particularly trade, investment, and transportation links.
Prime Minister Imran Khan also highlighted the significance of the Trans-Afghan railway project connecting Termez-Mazar-e-Sharif-Kabul-Jalalabad-Peshawar.
Imran Khan also elaborated his vision of socio-economic development and shifting the Country’s priority from geo-politics to geo-economics. To promote regional integration, they also decided to enhance connectivity through land and air routes.
The prime minister also underscored the importance of peace and stability in Afghanistan for Pakistan and the region. He stressed that the international community had to remain engaged to support the Afghan people, to address urgent humanitarian needs, and take steps to stabilize the economy.
The prime minister stressed that sustainable peace and security in Afghanistan would contribute to regional peace, connectivity, and progress.
The two leaders agreed to increase the frequency of high-level political exchanges.
Prime Minister Imran Khan renewed the invitation to President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to visit Pakistan while in return, the Kazakh president also extended an invitation to Imran Khan to visit Kazakhstan.
