An official welcome ceremony for Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has been held at the residence of Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif, marking the start of his state visit.

The Kazakh leader was received by Sharif. Following a photo opportunity, the national anthems of Kazakhstan and Pakistan were performed, and the Chief of the Guard of Honor delivered a formal report. The two sides then introduced members of their official delegations, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

After the ceremony, Tokayev and Sharif held talks in a restricted format. The sides highlighted the dynamic development of multifaceted cooperation in recent years and discussed ways to strengthen political dialogue, trade and economic ties, investment cooperation, and cultural and humanitarian exchanges.

Particular attention was paid to expanding cooperation in trade, transport and logistics, energy, agriculture, digitalization, space, and finance. The sides also exchanged views on key regional and international issues, underscoring their shared interest in deepening bilateral partnership.