Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had a bilateral meeting with the Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan on the sidelines of the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Bishkek today. The Foreign Ministers agreed that both countries shared historic traditions and values as well as religious and cultural ties. Both countries also had similar perspectives on regional and international issues. The Foreign Ministers noted that there was immense potential for further strengthening of comprehensive bilateral relationship with a special focus on trade, aviation, agriculture, and defense production. In this context, Foreign Minister Qureshi underscored that Pakistan provided the shortest trade route to Central Asian States through Gwadar port. Both sides agreed to work on further strengthening of regional connectivity. The Foreign Minister congratulated the Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan on assumption of Office. He also thanked Kazakhstan for support in Pakistan's smooth integration in SCO. Bishkek 22 May 2019