The Institute of Strategic Studies (ISSI) organized a Public Talk under its Ambassadors Platform on Kazakhstan-Pakistan Relations: Priorities of Kazakh Foreign Policy, on November 30, 2018. The distinguished speak at the Platform was Ambassador, Republic of Kazakhstan, H.E. Mr. Barlybay Sadykov. Eminent scholars, diplomats and academicians also graced the occasion with their presence.
In his introductory remarks, Chairman BOG ISSI, Ambassador (Retd) Khalid Mahmood said that this event is a part of the celebration of independence of Kazakhstan. He described Kazakhstan as a friendly country which enjoys a special status in international community. He stated that it is the largest land-locked country in the world, endowed with huge oil and gas reserves. With prime geographical location, the Ambassador opined, Kazakh leadership is focused on developing the country and weaving a web of connectivity with its neighbouring countries. Also, he emphasized, it has been playing an important role on many regional multilateral for as such as Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA). For Pakistan, the Chairman highlighted, Kazakhstan is of special importance in the context of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Pakistan was one of the first countries that recognized Kazakhstan. The nature of Astana-Islamabad cooperation encompasses a broad spectrum of security, economic cultural issues.
