Pakistan and Kazakhstan have affirmed their resolve to enhance mutual collaboration in the multi-lateral fora including the United Nations, Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO, Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), and Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA).

This understanding was reached during a meeting between Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Mukhtar Tileuberdi on the side-lines of 9th Ministerial Conference of Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process, in Dushanbe today (Tuesday).

It was also agreed to optimally utilize the bilateral institutional mechanisms to promote practical cooperation through the Inter-Governmental Commission, Bilateral Political Consultations, and Joint Working Groups in relevant fields.

During the meeting, both sides reviewed bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional issues.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi, on the occasion, said there is an immense potential to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in diverse fields including trade, aviation, railways and connectivity.

Highlighting that Pakistan provided the shortest route to Central Asian States through the Gwadar port, he invited Kazakhstan to utilize the opportunity for mutual benefit.

Sharing his perspective on the regional situation, he highlighted Pakistan's positive contributions to the Afghan peace process.

He said a peaceful and stable Afghanistan would give impetus to connectivity, leading to overall trade enhancement, facilitation of business travel, and people-to-people exchanges.