ISLAMABAD :The Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Pakistan H.E. Mr. Yerzhan Kistafin, held a meeting with the National Coordinator to the Prime-Minister of Pakistan on Tourism, Mr. Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan.
During the engagement, Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, held a detailed discussion with His Excellency, reaffirming the growing strategic partnership between Pakistan and Kazakhstan. The meeting follows the recent visit of the President of Kazakhstan to Pakistan, during which more than 60 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, further strengthening bilateral ties.
Both sides expressed commitment to advancing collaboration through practical initiatives.
Pakistan is preparing to dispatch a high-level delegation comprising members of the Islamabad and Rawalpindi business community to Kazakhstan, with a focus on tourism and trade development. In this regard, Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan has been invited to engage with relevant tourism departments to further deepen institutional cooperation.
Key areas of progress include the proposed launch of direct flights between Pakistan and Kazakhstan, facilitation of e-visa policies for Pakistani citizens, and the establishment of a Kazakhstan bank in Pakistan to enhance financial connectivity and support bilateral trade.
Additionally, both countries are working towards developing structured collaboration in medical tourism, adventure tourism, and integrated travel offerings. Strengthened linkages between travel and tour operators are also expected, with formal introductions and partnerships planned during the upcoming May delegation visit.
This engagement underscores the shared commitment of Pakistan and Kazakhstan to expand cooperation, enhance connectivity, and unlock new opportunities in tourism, trade, and investment.
Ambassador Y.Kistafin highlighted the key outcomes of the state visit of the President of Kazakhstan to Islamabad in February of this year. Both sides expressed their high appreciation for the negotiations and events held during the visit, noting their strong productivity and substantive outcomes.
In the context of the agreements reached, the parties discussed prospects for further strengthening bilateral cooperation in the tourism sector. Particular attention was given to fostering partnerships between tour operators, hotel establishments, and specialized educational institutions.
Mr. Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan conveyed his intention to organize a delegation visit to cities of Kazakhstan later this year, aimed at holding meetings with relevant government authorities and representatives of Kazakhstan’s tourism industry.
Ambassador Y.Kistafin reiterated his sincere appreciation to Mr. Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan for the continued support and warm hospitality extended to Kazakhstani delegations visiting Pakistan.
