ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Kazakhstan have agreed to further strengthen cooperation in culture, heritage, education and tourism.
The understanding was reached during a farewell meeting between Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi and Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Pakistan Yerzhan Kistafin.
The two sides also discussed ways to strengthen cultural diplomacy and people-to-people contacts.
Pakistan Reaffirms Commitment to Cultural Diplomacy
Aurangzeb Khan Khichi welcomed Ambassador Kistafin and appreciated his contribution to Pakistan-Kazakhstan cultural relations.
The minister expressed confidence that cooperation between the two countries would continue under the ambassador’s successor.
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The meeting reviewed several areas of bilateral cooperation.
These included cultural heritage preservation, education and people-to-people exchanges.
Kazakhstan Highlights Historic Cultural Ties
Ambassador Yerzhan Kistafin highlighted the longstanding ties between Pakistan and Kazakhstan.
He also emphasized the historical links between Pakistan and the wider Central Asian region.
The ambassador called for renewed efforts to strengthen these longstanding relations.
He expressed optimism that direct flights between Pakistan and Kazakhstan could begin next year.
According to the ambassador, direct air links would support tourism, trade and cultural exchanges.
Scholarship Opportunities for Pakistani Students
The Kazakh ambassador also highlighted educational cooperation between the two countries.
He pointed to scholarship opportunities available for Pakistani students.
Both sides agreed that greater educational exchanges could further strengthen relations between the two countries.
Pakistan Prime Minister’s Expected Kazakhstan Visit
Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi said the visit of the Prime Minister of Pakistan to Kazakhstan is expected next year.
He described the expected visit as an important opportunity to expand bilateral cooperation.
Ambassador Kistafin said Kazakhstan’s capital, Astana, has several prominent cultural institutions.
These include the Opera Theatre, Ballet Theatre and National Theatre.
He proposed organizing joint cultural performances during the anticipated visit.
Artists and musicians from Pakistan and Kazakhstan could participate in these performances.
The ambassador said such activities would reflect the strong cultural partnership between the two countries.
He also invited the federal minister and his delegation to visit Kazakhstan.
Pakistan to Send Cultural Delegation
Aurangzeb Khan Khichi said recommendations concerning a Pakistani cultural delegation had already been approved.
The proposed delegation will include a music teacher, a scholar and two instrumentalists who also serve as teachers.
Pakistan is now awaiting a formal invitation from Kazakhstan.
The invitation will allow both sides to finalize arrangements for the delegation.
Kazakhstan Prepares Joint Cultural Action Plan
Ambassador Kistafin informed the minister that Kazakhstan had prepared a comprehensive joint cultural Action Plan.
The plan covers a wide range of cultural activities.
He described it as one of Kazakhstan’s most extensive cultural cooperation plans with a partner country.
The plan reflects the shared commitment of Pakistan and Kazakhstan to strengthening cultural relations.
The minister welcomed the proposal.
He also directed relevant stakeholders to begin work on the proposed initiatives.
The objective is to ensure their implementation during the expected visit of the Pakistani prime minister.
Kazakhstan Invited to Lok Mela
The federal minister also invited Kazakhstan to participate in Pakistan’s annual Lok Mela cultural festival.
He invited Kazakh artists and cultural groups to take part in future editions of the event.
Ambassador Kistafin welcomed the invitation.
He recalled Kazakhstan’s previous participation in the festival.
He also expressed his country’s willingness to further expand cultural exchanges through Lok Mela.
Pakistan Plans Cultural Heritage Exhibition in Kazakhstan
Aurangzeb Khan Khichi proposed holding a special exhibition in Kazakhstan.
The exhibition would showcase Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage.
It could feature archaeological artefacts, traditional artwork, photographs and audio-visual presentations.
The displays would highlight Pakistan’s history, geography and cultural diversity.
The minister said the exhibition would present Pakistan as a cradle of ancient civilizations.
It would highlight the heritage of Gandhara Buddhism and the Indus Valley Civilization.
The exhibition would also showcase Islamic civilization and the contributions of different faith communities.
According to the minister, the initiative would reflect Pakistan’s rich cultural and religious diversity.
Kazakhstan Welcomes Pakistan Heritage Exhibition Proposal
Ambassador Kistafin welcomed the proposal for the cultural heritage exhibition.
He described it as an excellent initiative.
He said the exhibition would give international audiences an opportunity to explore Pakistan’s rich heritage.
It would also help promote cultural understanding and friendship between Pakistan and Kazakhstan.
Both Sides Reaffirm Commitment to Cultural Cooperation
The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to expanding cultural cooperation.
Pakistan and Kazakhstan also agreed to work on initiatives included in the bilateral Action Plan.
The proposed activities are expected to create new opportunities in culture, heritage, education and tourism.
They could also strengthen people-to-people contacts and deepen the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and Kazakhstan.
