Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari has appreciated Ambassador of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Kistafin's contribution to strengthening Pakistan-Kazakhstan relations during his five-year tenure in Pakistan.

According to Pakistan Peoples Party, during a farewell call at Aiwan-e-Sadr, the President noted that bilateral relations had progressed significantly during the Ambassador's tenure, highlighted by the historic State Visit of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Pakistan in February 2026. This visit, the first by a Kazakh President to Pakistan in 23 years, elevated the bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership.

The President emphasized the importance of implementing the agreements and MoUs signed during the visit and translating political goodwill into increased trade and investment. He stated that the target of US$1 billion in bilateral trade within two years was achievable through sustained engagement. Opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, energy, mining and minerals, IT, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and defense production were highlighted, along with the importance of stronger connectivity through road, rail, air, and maritime routes.

President Zardari expressed appreciation for President Tokayev and the Government of Kazakhstan for their US$1 million grant to the Pakistan Education Endowment Fund and welcomed the opening of the first Kazakhstan-Pakistan Artificial Intelligence Centre in Gujranwala.

Ambassador Kistafin informed the President about Kazakhstan's efforts to establish railway connectivity with Pakistan and mentioned the operational sectoral working groups focusing on trade, transport, energy, agriculture, IT, and education. He also noted the establishment of campuses of international universities in Kazakhstan, offering educational opportunities for Pakistani students, with around 1,000 currently studying there.

The Ambassador highlighted Kazakhstan as a potential market for Pakistani fruits, particularly mangoes, guava, falsa, and other tropical fruits. The President lauded the Ambassador's active engagement with the Government, business community, and academic institutions, conveying his regards to President Tokayev and wishing Ambassador Kistafin success in his future endeavors.