Gilani, Kazakh PM discuss bilateral ties, regional cooperation       
DUSHANBE (Tajikistan), Nov 24 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani and his counterpart from Kazakhstan Karim Kazhymkanovich Masimov met here on Wednesday and discussed ways and means to strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields for mutual benefit.The two leaders, who met here on the sidelines of the 9th SCO Heads of Government Council meeting being hosted by Tajikistan on Thursday, also discussed the situation in the region, particularly the war against terrorism and militancy, as well as other matters of regional and international importance.During the meeting, which was held here at Dacha (State Guest House), Prime Minister Gilani was assisted by Minister for Water and Power Raja Pervez Ashraf, Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Syed Naveed Qamar, Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir, Pakistan’s Ambassador in Dushanbe Khalid Usman Kaiser and senior officials.
The Kazakh Prime Minister was aided by Minister for Water and Resources, Minister for Sports and Tourism, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Deputy Minister for Finance and senior officials.
The two prime ministers agreed to further strengthen their existing bilateral relations through increased cooperation in diverse fields, including trade and economy, energy, infrastructure, transportation and communication.
There was unanimity of views on various matters of bilateral and regional interest, including the need of having close cooperation and interaction through the forum of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and beyond to achieve the goals of regional peace, security and development.
Prime Minister Gilani also reiterated Pakistan’s desire to have a full membership status in the SCO and said Pakistan wanted to play an active role in the important regional organization for enhanced economic development.
The Kazakh Prime Minister assured Gilani of his country’s support to Pakistan in its bid for full membership status in the SCO.
The two prime ministers discussed in detail the prospects of enhanced bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields through increased private sector interaction and joint ventures.