Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan (Web Desk): Pakistan and the Kyrgyz Republic have renewed their commitment to transforming bilateral relations into a strategic partnership, with both countries identifying stronger trade, economic collaboration, and investment as key priorities for future engagement.
The understanding came during President Asif Ali Zardari’s official visit to the Kyrgyz Republic from July 6 to 9, 2026, at the invitation of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov.
According to a joint statement issued following the meetings, the two presidents held comprehensive discussions in an atmosphere of friendship, trust, and mutual respect.
They expressed satisfaction over the positive momentum in Pakistan-Kyrgyz ties and reaffirmed their resolve to further broaden cooperation. Both leaders also emphasized the need for the effective implementation of commitments made during President Zhaparov’s state visit to Pakistan in December 2025.
The two sides agreed to maintain regular political engagement, increase exchanges at the highest levels, and reinforce institutional links between their parliaments, governments, and foreign ministries.
They directed the relevant ministries and agencies to expedite the execution of existing agreements and adopt practical measures to expand trade, encourage investment, and strengthen commercial partnerships.
The leaders also stressed the importance of improving coordination among government institutions, particularly by enhancing the performance of the Kyrgyz-Pakistani Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation and its Joint Working Groups.
They pledged continued official support to promote direct interaction between the business communities of both countries.
Energy cooperation remained a major area of focus, with both sides highlighting the importance of advancing the CASA-1000 project, describing it as a vital initiative for improving energy connectivity between Central and South Asia.
The two sides also agreed that there is considerable scope to expand cooperation in mining, agriculture, textiles, light manufacturing, the halal industry, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals.
In the pharmaceutical field, they identified medical education, harmonisation of regulatory systems, vaccine and biological product manufacturing, and the establishment of joint ventures as priority areas.
Both sides agreed to facilitate easier market access through closer collaboration between their respective drug regulatory authorities.
The leaders further agreed to strengthen cooperation between regulatory and standards bodies, including those responsible for halal certification, to promote trade and build mutual confidence. They also explored opportunities for collaboration in the digital economy, information and communication technology, tourism, and the banking sector.
Both presidents underlined the importance of implementing all agreements related to transport, logistics, and transit, while calling for additional measures to boost cargo movement and ensure the long-term sustainability of regional transport and logistics corridors.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in education, science, culture, tourism, youth exchanges, and healthcare. This includes collaboration in medical education quality assurance and professional regulatory frameworks to further strengthen people-to-people connections.
On security matters, Pakistan and the Kyrgyz Republic agreed to deepen cooperation between their relevant institutions in combating terrorism, extremism, narcotics trafficking, organised crime, irregular migration, cybercrime, and other emerging security threats.
Condemning terrorist attacks wherever they occur, the two leaders stressed that regional peace and stability are indispensable for economic progress and prosperity. They agreed to continue working closely in international forums, including the United Nations, Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, to combat terrorism in all its forms.
Discussing broader global issues, the two presidents observed that unilateral economic and financial sanctions run counter to the principles of the UN Charter and international law. They noted that such measures undermine global food and energy security and impede the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
During the talks, President Zhaparov thanked Pakistan for supporting the Kyrgyz Republic’s successful candidature for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2027-2028 term. President Zardari, in turn, congratulated Kyrgyzstan on its election.
The Kyrgyz Republic also acknowledged Pakistan’s constructive role as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2025-2026, welcoming the unanimous adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2788 (2025) on strengthening peaceful dispute settlement mechanisms and Resolution 2823 (2026) on accountability for crimes committed against UN peacekeepers.
Kyrgyzstan further praised Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, welcoming the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. Both sides expressed hope that the agreement would contribute to durable peace and stability across the region and beyond.
The two leaders stressed the need for the peaceful resolution of all disputes in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter, rejecting unilateral approaches. They agreed that a secure and stable environment is essential to fully realise the connectivity and economic potential linking Central Asia and South Asia.
he Kyrgyz Republic also invited Pakistan to participate in the sixth World Nomad Games, scheduled to be held from August 31 to September 7, 2026. Pakistan accepted the invitation and confirmed that it would send a high-level delegation along with its sports teams to the event.
At the conclusion of the visit, President Zardari thanked President Zhaparov and the people of the Kyrgyz Republic for the warm welcome and generous hospitality extended to him and his delegation.
He also invited President Zhaparov to undertake an official visit to Pakistan, an invitation that was accepted, with the dates to be finalised through diplomatic channels.
Earlier, President Asif Ali Zardari was accorded a formal welcome in Cholpon-Ata, where President Sadyr Japarov received him upon his arrival.
The national anthems of Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan were played during the ceremony, after which President Zardari was presented with a guard of honour by a smartly turned-out contingent of the Kyrgyz armed forces. He later inspected the ceremonial guard.
Following the welcome ceremony, the two presidents introduced members of their respective delegations to one another.
President Asif Ali Zardari had arrived in the Kyrgyz Republic on Monday on a four-day official visit aimed at further enhancing the longstanding relationship between Islamabad and Bishkek.