ASTANA (APP) - Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev on Wednesday agreed to counter common challenges of terrorism and extremism by reinforcing bilateral cooperation to ensure regional stability and prosperity. The meeting held at the Akorda Palace encompassed a whole gamut of issues including the need for evolving collective strategies to promote regional stability, besides enhancing cooperation in the fields of trade, communication and energy. Prime Minister Gilani whose visit is being termed as significant in reviving the relations with Kazakhstan after 16 years on bilateral terms, discussed with President Nazarbayev ways to cement relations by joining hands for the regions development. Prime Minister Gilani said Kazakhstan played a pivotal role in Asia being richly endowed with natural and human resources. He lauded the major economic strides made by Kazakhstan in the last two decades. Prime Minister Gilani also offered to provide overland transit for Kazakhstan for trade through its ports. On Afghanistan, the prime minister said Pakistan shared an interest to see a peaceful, secure, sovereign, independent and united Afghanistan. Gilani appreciated the support ended by the Kazakh government for Pakistan to become a full member of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), which he said could play a constructive role in the regional stability. The prime minister linked the vision of close regional economic integration with international connectivity over land, air and sea, facilitative regimes for promoting investments, trade and cooperation in sectors of energy, industry, agriculture, mines and minerals. The two leaders also discussed the importance of maintaining regular high-level visits and parliamentary exchanges. The meeting was also attended by Minister for Production Anwar Ali Cheema and Pakistans Ambassador to Kazakhstan Akhtar Tufail. On his arrival at the Akorda Palace, Prime Minister Gilani was given formal welcome at an impressive ceremony. A contingent of Kazakh armed forces presented guard of honour to the visiting dignitary who reviewed the parade. National anthems of both countries were played. Meanwhile, both the leaders also agreed to facilitate businessmen of both sides by relaxing visa regimes, holding of bilateral business forums and single country exhibitions and launching of joint ventures in the sectors of pharmaceuticals, cement, engineering goods and automobiles. Both the countries agreed to form an inter-governmental commission that would provide a mechanism to translate the vision of relations into a reality between the two countries. At a joint press statement after their talks, the two prime ministers termed the bilateral interaction of Pakistani and Kazakh leadership after 16 years as very important. Kazakh Prime Minister Massimov said Pakistan was playing a very important role in the regional stability and lauded efforts for counter-terrorism. The Kazakh prime minister urged Prime Minister Gilani to commence a direct flight of PIA between the two capitals, Islamabad and Astana. He said the rail link between China and Kazakhstan would be established in December this year and it would be equally beneficial for Pakistan. Prime Minister Gilani extended an invitation to the president and the prime minister of Kazakhstan to visit Pakistan at a date convenient to them. Pakistan and Kazakhstan also agreed to enhance bilateral trade and facilitate their businessmen to promote investment in diverse areas. Prime Minister Gilani along with his Kazakh counterpart Karim Massimov witnessed the signing of the agreement at the Government House after the two leaders met and also co-chaired the delegation-level talks. President Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FPCCI) Senator Ghulam Ali inked the document on behalf of the Pakistan Government, while Tatyana Zhdanova, Vice President Chamber of Commerce and Industry represented the Kazakh side. Prime Minister Gilani left on Wednesday for home after concluding his two-day official visit.