Pakistan and Kazakhstan yesterday agreed to finalize the Transit Trade Agreement early, which will lead to enhanced trade between the two nations. 

In Astana, Kazakhstan, the Pakistan-Kazakhstan Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) were held for the second time. The Pakistani side was led by Additional Secretary (Afghanistan & West Asia) Syed Ahsan Raza Shah, while the Kazakh side was led by Kanat Tumysh, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan. Both sides discussed various aspects of bilateral relations during the consultations, including politics, diplomacy, trade, economic connectivity, science & technology, and culture.

Furthermore, the two sides discussed regional and global issues. In addition, two countries’ cooperation within the framework of UN, CICA, OIC, ECO and SCO was reviewed. The two sides agreed to finalize the Transit Trade Agreement as soon as possible, which would become the catalyst for enhanced trade between the two countries. As part of the agreement, direct flights will resume early next month between the two countries, improving connectivity between them. As a result of the consultations, both parties had the opportunity to review their bilateral relations comprehensively. A number of new mutual interests were also identified by both parties, and both sides reiterated their desire to further strengthen bilateral relations.