PM Shehbaz vows to boost Pakistan-Kyrgyzstan trade to $200 million

Bishkek (Web Desk): Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan have agreed to give fresh momentum to their economic relations and broaden cooperation between the two countries.

The agreement came during a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Nurgozhoevich Japarov in Bishkek.

Addressing a joint presser alongside President Japarov, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that the two sides would formulate a detailed action plan to gradually take bilateral trade to $200 million.

The proposed measures would also seek to streamline trade procedures, encourage joint investment, strengthen industrial links and facilitate more direct interaction between businesses of the two countries.

PM Shehbaz said Pakistan was keen to see increased cooperation between businesses and financial institutions on both sides, which he described as important for turning the shared vision of stronger economic ties into reality.

The premier said that improved connectivity was at the heart of efforts to bring South and Central Asia closer economically.

He welcomed the newly signed transit trade agreement, saying it would facilitate the movement of goods, enhance logistics and generate new possibilities for regional trade links.

The prime minister described energy as another crucial component of the bilateral relationship.

PM Shehbaz said Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan had reiterated the importance of ensuring the timely implementation of the CASA-1000 project.

He also welcomed the formation of a joint energy working group, which would identify practical areas of collaboration in electricity, hydropower, renewable energy, energy infrastructure and modern technologies.

The prime minister also expressed satisfaction with the growing cooperation between the two countries in education, science and technology, health, culture and tourism.

He welcomed the agreement establishing sister-city ties between Lahore and Osh.
Security and defence matters were also an important part of the discussions.

PM Shehbaz said both countries had reiterated their determination to cooperate more closely in countering terrorism, extremism and other emerging threats.

He added that Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan had also agreed to strengthen joint efforts on environmental protection and climate-related challenges.

The prime minister said that the two countries shared the view that effective multilateralism was essential for dealing with pressing international issues and promoting peace and stability around the world.

He said Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan would continue working together at the United Nations (UN) and other multilateral forums.

PM Shehbaz described Kyrgyzstan as a highly important and valued partner for Pakistan in the Central Asian region.

براہِ راست:پاکستان اور کرغستان کے درمیان مفاہمتی یادداشت پر دستخط اور وزیراعظم کا تقریب سے خطاب https://t.co/5Tza8haNXI

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) September 2, 2026

For his part, President Sadyr Japarov said that as global tensions continue to rise, strengthening bilateral friendship, improving mutual understanding and expanding cooperation had become increasingly important.

He said the joint statement signed following the meeting reflected the common vision of both countries for advancing Kyrgyz-Pakistani relations and outlined the main areas where cooperation would be pursued in the future.

President Japarov said economic cooperation should remain among the principal foundations of the relationship.

He explained that the two sides had agreed to take organised and consistent measures to boost bilateral trade, broaden the variety of products exchanged and encourage greater investment.

The Kyrgyz president said the two countries were also ready to work on joint initiatives in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, energy, light industry, tourism, the digital economy, virtual assets and other sectors.

He pointed out that Pakistan’s seaports could serve as a natural access point for Kyrgyzstan to South Asian markets and, beyond them, to international trade networks.

President Japarov further noted that Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan have a long record of cooperation within the UN, Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO).

He said both countries were prepared to maintain regular political consultations and coordinate their positions on international platforms.

He also congratulated Pakistan on taking over the chairmanship of the SCO.

Meanwhile, the two countries signed a series of memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and agreements aimed at expanding cooperation in several fields.

These included transit trade, measures against the illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs, education, academic research, science and technology, environmental protection and climate change, virtual assets, postal services and e-commerce.

An agreement was also concluded to establish sister-city relations between Lahore and Osh.

At the conclusion of the talks, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov and PM Sharif signed a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to further developing relations and cooperation between Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan.

Earlier, upon his arrival at Kyrgyzstan Presidential Palace, Yntymak Ordo (Palace of Unity) in Bishkek, PM Shehbaz was accorded a red-carpet reception and a guard of honour, where he was scheduled to meet Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov.

President Zhaparov welcomed the premier as he reached the palace for the official reception. The ceremonies began with the national anthems of Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan, while the two leaders stood at the designated salute dais.

The smartly-turned out contingents of the Kyrgyz armed forces then presented the guard of honour, which was reviewed by PM Shehbaz who is visiting Bishkek to attend the Council of Heads of States (CHS) of the SCO.

After the ceremonial welcome, PM Shehbaz and President Zhaparov introduced members of their respective delegations.

The two leaders then moved to their formal talks, where they were set to discuss bilateral ties along with key regional developments.

Separately, PM Shehbaz visited the Ata-Beyit Memorial Complex in Bishkek during his visit to Kyrgyzstan, paying respects to some of the country’s most revered figures.

At the complex, the prime minister placed a floral wreath at the tomb of celebrated Kyrgyz author Chinghiz Aitmatov and offered Fateha in his memory.

He then laid another wreath at the memorial monument, expressing respect for the prominent personalities who are buried at the historic site.

The Ata-Beyit (Grave of our Fathers) Memorial Complex serves as the final resting place of several notable figures from Kyrgyzstan, making it an important symbol of the country’s history and national heritage.

Moreover, PM Shehbaz also visited Ala-Archa National Park in the Kyrgyz capital together with President Sadyr Japarov, where he witnessed the country’s distinctive cultural traditions and learned more about its historic heritage.

Upon their arrival, the two leaders were received at the park, where local officials provided the prime minister with an overview of Kyrgyz customs and traditional practices.

During the visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz was shown a range of traditional Kyrgyz cultural performances, including folk dances and other traditional arts.

The prime minister watched a display of traditional horsemanship and eagle hunting, alongside other cultural activities showcased during the visit, and expressed keen interest in the rich cultural traditions and centuries-old heritage of the Kyrgyz people.

The visit formed part of PM Shehbaz Sharif’s ongoing visit to Kyrgyzstan, during which he has engaged President Japarov in detailed discussions covering Pakistan-Kyrgyzstan relations, regional developments and international issues.

Appreciating Kyrgyzstan’s cultural legacy, PM Shehbaz underscored the importance of further strengthening the historical, cultural and fraternal ties between the peoples of Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan.