ISLAMABAD: President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev was accorded a warm and dignified reception at the Prime Minister’s House today, where Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed him on his first two-day state visit to Pakistan.
Upon arrival, the prime minister received the visiting dignitary at the entrance of the PM House, where a formal reception ceremony was held. The national anthems of Pakistan and Kazakhstan were played as both leaders stood on the saluting dais. A smartly turned-out contingent of the three services of the Pakistan Armed Forces presented a guard of honour, which President Tokayev reviewed.
President Tokayev later introduced his delegation, comprising senior cabinet ministers and high-ranking officials, to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The two leaders also exchanged cordial remarks before proceeding to a one-on-one meeting, followed by delegation-level talks.
During the meetings, both sides reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation in various sectors. Several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements are expected to be signed to enhance bilateral ties.
Later, President Tokayev planted a commemorative sapling on the lawns of the Prime Minister’s House.
The route of the Kazakh president’s motorcade and major avenues of the federal capital were adorned with the national flags of Pakistan and Kazakhstan, along with large portraits of President Tokayev, reflecting the significance of the visit.
President Tokayev is visiting Pakistan at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, marking an important step toward deepening ties between the two countries.
