PM Shehbaz offers Kyrgyzstan gateway to global trade via Pakistan's ports

Islamabad (Web Desk): Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan have reaffirmed the shared resolve to elevate their bilateral relations to new heights, agreeing to expand cooperation in politics, trade, connectivity, energy, agriculture, education, defense, and culture.

The understanding was reached during a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov in Islamabad on Wednesday.

Later addressing a joint press stakeout along with the Kyrgyz President, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif noted that Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan share links that are not merely historic but are enduring, shaped over the years through mutual confidence, respect and common aspirations.

He described his discussions with the Kyrgyz President as comprehensive and productive, covering bilateral cooperation along with major regional and international developments.

PM Shehbaz noted that 15 agreements and MoUs signed earlier in the day would lay the foundation for a more structured approach to collaboration across multiple areas.

He added that another agreement aimed at increasing bilateral trade from $15 million to $200 million over the next two years would be formalized later in the evening.

Shehbaz Sharif highlighted Pakistan’s strategic advantage as a gateway to the Indian Ocean, offering Kyrgyzstan vital access to regional and global markets.

He said both sides emphasized the importance of increasing people-to-people contacts through cultural exchanges, tourism and academic cooperation, and agreed to hold cultural events in each other’s countries to further deepen the bond between the two nations.

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov, in his remarks, described Pakistan as a key partner in South Asia. He praised Pakistan’s economic momentum, large-scale development projects and its forward-looking policies under the leadership of PM Shehbaz.

President Sadyr Zhaparov said that both sides held expanded talks on Kyrgyz-Pakistani cooperation, focusing particularly on boosting collaboration in trade, investment, transport, logistics, education and science.

He stressed the value of strengthening the Kyrgyz-Pakistani Business Council as a practical platform for bringing the business communities of the two countries closer.

Welcoming the Council’s forum in Islamabad, President Sadyr Zhaparov pointed out that fully tapping the transport and transit potential between the two states was among the most important aspects of their partnership.

He underlined the significance of the CASA-1000 energy project, calling it a cornerstone for establishing a shared energy network between Central and South Asia. He expressed optimism that the timely completion of the project would bring lasting economic benefits to both peoples.

The Kyrgyz president said that the two sides also discussed deepening cooperation in the field of education, noting that more than 2,000 Pakistani students are currently enrolled in Kyrgyz universities.

He voiced his readiness to launch new educational initiatives that would further enhance academic and scientific exchange.

Both countries also agreed to celebrate cultural days to promote humanitarian and cultural ties.

On security issues, the two leaders reaffirmed their shared resolve to confront terrorism, extremism and cross-border crime, and pledged stronger cooperation between their security institutions to help maintain peace and stability across the region.

As chairman of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), President Zhaparov invited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to attend next year’s SCO Summit in Bishkek as a guest of honour, along with Kyrgyzstan’s Independence Day celebrations. He also thanked Pakistan for the warm hospitality extended during his visit.

During the meeting, President Zhaparov reiterated Kyrgyzstan’s desire to expand cooperation with Pakistan across various sectors and explore fresh opportunities for partnership.

PM Shehbaz said that the visit would play an important role in further strengthening bilateral ties.

The meeting was attended by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, National Security Advisor Lt Gen Asim Malik and PM’s Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi.