Nur-Sultan: On the occasion of the 79th Pakistan Day, a reception was hosted at a local hotel in Kazakhstan’s capital Nur-Sultan on 27 March 2019.
Mr. Talgat Zhumakulov, Chairman of the Committee of International Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Mr. Bektas Beknazarov, Deputy Chairman of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan represented on behalf of the President of Kazakhstan in the Ceremony as the Co-Chief Guest. The reception was attended by a large number of local dignitaries from all walks of life including Kazakh Government, academia, media personnel, diplomatic corps based in Nur-Sultan as well as members of the Pakistani diaspora.
The event began with the national anthems of Pakistan and Kazakhstan followed by remarks by the Ambassador. In his remarks, the Ambassador recalled the historic struggle for Pakistan’s freedom and emphasized that the democratic ideals and values espoused in the Pakistan Resolution of 1940 guided the Muslims of the Sub-Continent to independence in 1947.
The Ambassador added that our democratic institutions i.e. Parliament, judiciary and media along with civil society are playing an important role for the development of Pakistan. He touched upon recent developments on Line of Control and conveyed Pakistan’s stance, capability and will coupled with our strong desire for de-escalation and peace.
He highlighted that the new Government embarked on a programme of zero tolerance for terrorism and the nation is determined to eradicate it once for all. He expressed the keen desire of Pakistan to have friendly and peaceful relations with all our neighbours based on the principle of equality. The ambassador also highlighted the Indian atrocities in Kashmir.
The Ambassador referred to the excellent relations between Pakistan and Kazakhstan based on common values, geography, history and culture which got impetus by frequent Presidential and Prime Ministerial visits in recent past from Pakistan. He praised the role of the first President of Kazakhstan Mr. Nursultan Nazarbayev for Kazakhstan’s development and its stature in the world.
He also mentioned that the quantum of bilateral trade between the two countries has doubled consecutively in the past two years and invited the participants to attend an exhibition “Made in Pakistan” in Almaty assisted by Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and USAID on 04-08 April 2019.
Mr. Talgat Zhumakulov, congratulated the people of Pakistan on their National Day. He said Pakistan and Kazakhstan enjoy excellent friendly relations. He expressed hope that the relations between the two countries will further develop in all fields and the 9th session of the Intergovernmental Joint Commission (IJC) would take place in Islamabad this year.
The Co-Chief Guest Mr. Mr. Bektas Beknazarov also congratulated people and government of Pakistan on Pakistan National Day. He said that Pakistan was an important and powerful country and appreciated Pakistan’s role in the region. He showed his satisfaction on strengthening of bilateral trade and economic relations.