Kazakhstan is one of the largest landlocked countries in the world, which necessitates strong bilateral relations with its neighbors. Kazakhstan holds significant importance for both Asia and Europe due to its economic and geopolitical significance, sharing borders with key countries such as Russia and China. It is also one of the economically strong countries in Central Asia and a major producer of natural gas. On the other hand, Pakistan represents a large commercial market due to its population, and the two countries share geographic borders and enjoy a shared culture and history. Looking at their historical relations, it is evident that the ties between them have been continually developing since Kazakhstan’s independence, having been the last Soviet republic to gain independence. So, what is the current state of their bilateral relations?
A Glimpse into the History of Relations between the Two Countries
The bilateral relations between the two countries have remained stable and continuous despite significant regional competition. Cooperation and exchange have been ongoing in various fields, with continuous economic integration supported by both countries since the beginning of their relationship. One of the most significant factors contributing to the stability of these relations is the shared heritage, culture, and historical borders between them.
When Kazakhstan gained independence in December 1991 following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Pakistan was among the first countries to recognize it, and diplomatic relations between the two countries began in 1992. High-level visits between officials and parliamentarians have continued to this day.
Economic Relations and Bilateral Trade
Kazakhstan, as is well-known, is a landlocked country, lacking direct land, sea, or air links with Pakistan. This has always posed a challenge in enhancing economic integration between them. Therefore, since 2020, Pakistan has been working on developing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and other connectivity projects that would provide greater opportunities for economic integration between Pakistan and Kazakhstan. Pakistani ports are also attempting to provide more effective means of access to Kazakhstan, which would benefit their trade levels.
Recently, a joint business council was established, comprising the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the International Chamber of Commerce in Kazakhstan, to work on improving bilateral relations and holding continuous meetings. According to 2018 statistics, the volume of trade between the two countries reached $28 million, an increase of 12% compared to 2016. There are ambitions to increase this trade volume to $1 billion. By looking at the trade volume between the two countries in 2023, we see that it increased to $138 million, reflecting the continuity and success of their integration relations. The strategic roadmap still aims to achieve a primary goal: increasing the trade volume to $1 billion, although this figure may take several years to achieve. Nevertheless, it is not impossible given the recent developments in their relations.
In July 2023, a direct air corridor was established between Pakistan and Kazakhstan, through which more than 5,000 kilograms of air cargo were transported, in addition to passenger travel. Work is also underway to develop transportation via the trade route that passes through Afghanistan to Pakistan, demonstrating a genuine desire to achieve commercial and economic integration unhindered by any political or diplomatic obstacles.
Military Cooperation
Military cooperation is one of the relatively new fields between the two countries. They are cooperating in military training, particularly in peacekeeping operations and joint anti-terrorism exercises. Tactical and strategic operational cooperation is steadily increasing.
In July 2024, the two countries took a significant step in their military relations by publishing a draft resolution to sign a joint memorandum between the two governments for the joint participation of their armed forces in UN peacekeeping missions. This memorandum will create the legal foundation for joint cooperation between them. Although military relations are relatively recent, this memorandum marks a qualitative leap, indicating more positive steps in the near future.
Diplomatic Relations
Diplomatic relations between the two countries are highly dynamic and diverse, as they share understandings that include mutual official visits, cooperation, and coordination within various international organizations, foremost among them the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Economic Cooperation Organization, and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia. This participation in a large number of organizations provides a foundation for cooperation and mutual support on various issues. Kazakhstan has supported Pakistan’s candidacy for membership in the UNESCO Executive Board, indicating a high level of cooperation and mutual trust based on harmony and respect.
Other Areas of Cooperation
In general, there are more than 36 memorandums of understanding between Kazakhstan and Pakistan in various fields, including energy, gas, investment, education, and military cooperation. A number of documents concerning commercial, economic, scientific, technological, and cultural cooperation were signed in 2022. This was followed by a visit from a Pakistani government delegation to discuss cooperation in the fields of energy and gas, specifically discussing the possibility of transporting gas through the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan gas pipeline. It is worth noting that Pakistan represents a very large commercial market due to its large population, making it in need of this cooperation in energy and infrastructure.
In the field of education, a program has been established between the two countries for faculty exchange and student exchange, which represents a motive to strengthen relations between them, as both countries enjoy similar and shared heritage and culture, helping to continue cultural exchange.
Conclusion
The relations between Kazakhstan and Pakistan emphasize the deep-rooted historical and cultural ties between the two countries, which form the foundation for building a solid strategic partnership. Despite geographical and political challenges, the strong political will on both sides, and fruitful cooperation in various fields, have contributed to enhancing these relations and expanding the horizons of bilateral cooperation.
The accelerating expansion in trade, infrastructure development, and increased cooperation in military and cultural fields indicate that relations between the two countries are on an upward trajectory. Additionally, increasing integration with regional initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor opens new prospects for trilateral cooperation, enhancing the status of Kazakhstan and Pakistan as key players in the region.
However, achieving full economic integration between the two countries requires addressing some challenges, such as infrastructure deficiencies, differing economic systems, and the impact of geopolitical developments in the region. Therefore, both countries must continue to make joint efforts to enhance cooperation in energy, transportation, agriculture, and technology to maximize the benefits of this partnership.
It can be said that the relations between Kazakhstan and Pakistan represent a model of strategic partnership between two countries with similar histories and cultures, both striving for sustainable development and prosperity for their peoples. These relations are expected to continue evolving and flourishing in the coming years, contributing to enhancing stability and peace in Central Asia.
Sources:
- Mehmood Ul, Pakistan-Kazakhstan Bilateral Relations: A Strategic Road Map, Institute of Strategic Thinking, 2020.
- Mahmoud Rafiq, Pakistan and Kazakhstan Relations: A Way Forward, The Astana Times, March 2023.
- “Pakistan and Kazakhstan reiterate resolve to further enhance bilateral cooperation”, The President of Pakistan, August 2024.
- “Kazakhstan and Pakistan Unite Their Armed Forces”, Azerbaijan State News Agency, July 2024.
