Afghan and Kazakh Ambassadors Discuss Regional Cooperation in Islamabad
Sardar Ahmad Shakeeb, Afghanistan’s ambassador to Pakistan, met with Yerzhan Kistafin, Kazakhstan’s ambassador in Islamabad, to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and advancing regional cooperation.
During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on Afghanistan-Kazakhstan relations, regional connectivity, major infrastructure initiatives, and opportunities and challenges in regional trade. Kazakhstan’s role in supporting regional stability and other areas of mutual interest were also discussed.
Ambassador Shakeeb expressed appreciation for Kazakhstan’s continued support and constructive engagement with Afghanistan, emphasizing that such cooperation—particularly in peace and economic development—is important for his country. He expressed hope that the proposed $3 billion joint trade agreement, once finalized, would bring tangible benefits to both nations and promote regional economic integration.
In return, Ambassador Kistafin reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s continued support for stability and economic growth in Afghanistan, highlighting his country’s involvement in key regional connectivity and trade projects. He noted that the current security and stability situation in Afghanistan had increased Kazakhstan’s confidence in expanding trade and regional transit, and acknowledged the efforts of the Taliban administration in this regard.
The Kazakh ambassador also stressed the importance of coordination among regional countries to achieve lasting stability, sustainable economic development, and the facilitation of goods movement and regional transit.
