Gilani, Nazarbayev agree on joint counter-terrorism strategies for regional prosperity
By Shumaila Andleeb
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, Sept 7 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani and Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev on Wednesday agreed to counter common challenges of terrorism and extremism by reinforcing bilateral cooperation to ensure regional stability and prosperity.The hour-long meeting held at the Akorda Palace encompassed a whole gamut of issues including the need for evolving collective strategies to promote regional stability, besides enhancing cooperation in the fields of trade, communication and energy.
Prime Minister Gilani whose visit is being termed as significant in reviving the relations with Kazakhstan after 16 years on bilateral terms, discussed with President Nazarbayev ways to cement relations by joining hands for region’s development.
Gilani said Pakistan highly values its relations with Kazakhstan and  has the earnest desire to comprehensively upgrade these ties.
He said both the countries had the capability and resources to make a significant contribution to peace and development of the region.
He stressed the need for translating the goodwill that existed between the two nations into concrete cooperation for the mutual benefit of their peoples.
Prime Minister Gilani said Kazakhstan plays a pivotal role in Asia being  richly endowed with natural and human resources. He lauded the major economic strides made by Kazakhstan in the last two decades and added that Pakistan and Kazakhstan needed to jointly tap the full potential of bilateral relationship.
On Afghanistan, the Prime Minister said Pakistan shared an interest to see a peaceful, secure, sovereign, independent and united Afghanistan. 
 He said Pakistan supports an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation process. Gilani appreciated the support extended by the Kazakh government for Pakistan to become a full member of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which he said could play a constructive role in regional stability.
The Prime Minister linked the vision of close regional economic  integration with international connectivity over land, air  and sea, facilitative regimes for promoting investments, trade and cooperation in sectors of energy, industry, agriculture, mines and minerals.
He said Pakistan would be happy to provide overland transit for Kazakhstan for trade through its ports. Gilani said the interaction between the peoples of two countries had been mutually enriching and was amply reflected in the rich cultural heritage and traditions.
He stressed the need for renewing people-to-people contacts especially among the youth and said Pakistan looked forward to enhancing cultural and educational cooperation between the two countries.
The two leaders also discussed the importance of maintaining regular high-level visits and parliamentary exchanges.
The meeting was also attended by Minister for Production Anwar Ali Cheema  and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Kazakhstan Akhtar Tufail.
On his arrival at the Akorda Palace, Prime Minister Gilani was given formal welcome at an impressive ceremony. A contingent of Kazakh armed forces presented guard of honour to the visiting dignitary who reviewed the parade. National anthems of both countries were played.Later, President Nazarbayez also hosted lunch for Prime Minister Gilani.