The Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Syed Tariq Fatemi, paid an official visit to Astana (Kazakhstan), as a Special Envoy of the Prime Minister, held a meeting with Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan, Mr. Erlan Idrissov and Deputy Foreign Minister, Mr. Yerzhan Ashikbayev today.

The SAPM highlighted that Pakistan and Kazakhstan enjoyed close and cordial relations that are based on common bonds of history, culture, tradition and values. Both sides recalled with fondness the visit of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to Astana in August 2015. The two sides resolved to identify new areas of common interest where the relationship could be further enhanced.

Besides bilateral issues, the SAPM sought support of Kazakhstan for Pakistan’s membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). Presenting Pakistan’s point of view, the SAPM emphasized the need for equal treatment of all applicants, based on objective and non-discriminatory criteria for membership. He reiterated that Pakistan’s application stood on solid grounds of technical expertise, capability and well-established commitments to nuclear safety and security.

The Special Assistant assured his interlocutors that Pakistans export controls regime was fully harmonized with those of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), Missile Technology Control Regime (MTRC) and Australia Group.

Both sides reiterated their desire to transform their bilateral relations into a multi-dimensional partnership.