President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev arrived at the Prime Minister’s House on Wednesday to hold a one-on-one meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and lead the delegation-level talks

The Kazakh president was accorded a warm reception and a guard of honour upon arrival.

Accompanied by a high-level delegation, comprising senior cabinet ministers and other high-ranking officials, the Kazakhstan president is in Islamabad for his first state visit to Pakistan.

As the visiting dignitary arrived, Prime Minister Shehbaz received him at the entrance of the PM House, where the formal reception took place.

The national anthems of Kazakhstan and Pakistan were played while both leaders stood on the saluting dais.

A smartly attired contingent of the three services of the Pakistan armed forces presented the guard of honour, which President Tokayev reviewed.

The two leaders introduced their respective delegations to each other before proceeding for one-on-one meeting, followed by talks at the delegation level.

During the talks, the two sides will review the full spectrum of bilateral relations and explore new avenues to further deepen cooperation across diverse sectors.

Both sides will also sign Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements to boost bilateral ties.

Later, the Kazakh President will also plant a commemorative sapling in the lawn of the Prime Minister’s House.

The route of the Kazakhstan leader’s motorcade and main avenues of the federal capital were decorated with Pakistani and Kazakhstan flags as well as the large portraits of President Tokayev.

During the visit, President Tokayev is also expected to meet President Asif Ali Zardari and address the Pakistan-Kazakhstan Business Forum.

The visit will provide the two sides with an important and timely opportunity to undertake a comprehensive review of bilateral relations, discuss new avenues for broadening cooperation, particularly in trade, logistics, regional connectivity, people-to-people contacts, and explore collaboration at regional and international forums.