A formal welcome ceremony was held in honour of Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the Prime Minister House in Islamabad on Wednesday. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the Kazakh president at his office where national anthems of the two countries were played. Later, a smartly turned out contingent of Armed Forces presented guard of honour to the visiting dignitary. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the President of Kazakhstan will hold bilateral and delegation-level talks today. 

Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements in several sectors will also be signed between the two countries. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev arrived in Pakistan Tuesday on a two-day official visit, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif received the visiting dignitary at Nur Khan Air Base. President Tokayev is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including senior ministers and government officials. 

Separately, President Asif Ali Zardari will confer Nishan-e-Pakistan, the country’s highest civilian award, on the Presidents of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The award ceremony will be held at the Presidential Palace in Islamabad. According to officials, the honour is being conferred to promote bilateral relations, friendship, and cooperation between Pakistan and the two Central Asian states. A dignified ceremony will be followed by an official banquet in honor of the distinguished guests.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)