Islamabad: Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations by enhancing cooperation in political, trade, connectivity, energy, agriculture, education, defense, and cultural domains.
According to Radio Pakistan, the affirmation was made during a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Kyrgyzstan’s President Sadyr Zhaparov in Islamabad. In a joint press conference, Prime Minister Sharif highlighted the historic and enduring ties between the two nations, emphasizing their relationship grounded in mutual trust and respect since the establishment of diplomatic relations.
Prime Minister Sharif described his discussions with President Zhaparov as fruitful, noting a comprehensive exchange of views on bilateral relations and significant regional and international developments. The signing of fifteen Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements was announced, aiming to provide a framework for structured engagement and closer institutional linkages in various fields of mutual interest.
Additionally, Prime Minister Sharif outlined plans to significantly increase trade between Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan, from approximately fifteen million dollars to two hundred million dollars over the next two years. He also offered Kyrgyzstan access to regional and global markets through Pakistan’s ports, highlighting Pakistan’s strategic position as a gateway to the Indian Ocean.
The discussions underscored the importance of people-to-people exchanges through cultural initiatives, tourism promotion, and academic partnerships, with plans for cultural events in each country to further solidify their friendship.
President Zhaparov emphasized Pakistan’s role as an important partner in South Asia, praising its dynamic economic development and infrastructure projects. He highlighted discussions on enhancing collaboration in trade, economy, investment, transport, logistics, education, and science, and underscored the significance of the Kyrgyz-Pakistani Business Council in uniting the business communities of both countries.
President Zhaparov also stressed the importance of the CASA-1000 project in establishing a unified energy sphere between Central and South Asia, expressing confidence in the project’s timely implementation and mutual benefits. He mentioned ongoing cooperation in the education sector, with over two thousand Pakistani students studying in Kyrgyzstan, and expressed readiness to further strengthen scientific collaboration.
Both sides agreed to celebrate cultural days in each other’s countries to enhance humanitarian and cultural ties. In the field of security, they reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorism, extremism, and transnational crimes, and agreed to bolster cooperation among competent authorities to ensure regional peace and stability.
As the chairman of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, President Zhaparov invited Prime Minister Sharif to attend the SCO Summit in Bishkek next year as a guest of honor and to participate in Kyrgyzstan’s Independence Day celebrations. He also expressed gratitude for the warm reception and hospitality extended by the Pakistani government and people during his visit.
The meeting was attended by notable figures, including Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, National Security Advisor Lieutenant General Asim Malik, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi.