Federal Minister for Narcotics Control, Brig (R) Ijaz Ahmad Shah met with the Ambassador of Kazakhstan H.E. Mr. Yerzhan Kistafin and Liason Officer of National Security Committee of Republic of Kazakhstan, Col. Berik Jannassayev. The Federal Minister discussed bilateral ties between the two countries. While discussing the mutual cooperation regarding drug reduction and control, Ijaz Ahmad Shah pointed that the first agreement between the two countries was signed in the year 1995. He said that Pakistan has proposed some amendments and the agreement is likely to be signed very soon. The Ambassador said that we want maximum cooperatio between the two countries. "We want to improve international cooperation to ensure effective combating of drugs" Ijaz Shah said. In response to this the Ambassador of Kazakhstan said that we see Pakistan as a regional power and considering integral position of our country we want to office on maximum international cooperation.
"Regional stability will impact global dynamics and will benefit everyone" said Ijaz Shah. "Drug trafficking is a big challenge" he added. To which the Ambassador said that we need to combat this challenge together.
The Federal Minister said that the increased consumption of drugs amongst youth is worrisome and we want to create a drug a free society for our future generations". Pakistan and Kazakhstan should benefit from each other's expertise and work together to achieve solution to this problem. said Ijaz Shah.
The Ambassador said that we hope that we will be able to play our role in countering drug trafficking and we hope that our bilateral ties improve over the time. He further said that we would like to have more frequent interactions with Pakistan to ensure effectiveness of cooperation. The Federal Minister Ijaz Ahmad Shah ensured all possible support in this regard and the meeting concluded with a promise that both countries will work to best of their capacities to eliminate the menace of drugs and improve bilateral relations.
