Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan pledge stronger ties

Agree to expand economic cooperation and enhance regional connectivity

ISLAMABAD:

President Asif Ali Zardari and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov on Tuesday reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties, expanding economic cooperation, and enhancing regional connectivity.

A day earlier, President Zardari arrived in Kyrgyzstan for a four-day official visit at the invitation of Japarov. The trip followed President Japarov's visit to Pakistan in December last year.

Speaking at the delegation-level talks with the Kyrgyz president, President Zardari said Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan shared "deep-rooted brotherly relations based on common faith, shared history and cultural links". He stressed the need to further deepen cooperation by increasing trade, improving connectivity through more direct flights, and exploring new avenues of collaboration.

The president said both countries should work together to achieve shared progress, noting that neighbours must strengthen cooperation for mutual prosperity.

He also congratulated Kyrgyzstan on its election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2027–2028 term, describing it as a reflection of the international community's confidence in the country's constructive role in promoting peace, security, and multilateral cooperation.

President Zardari said Pakistan looked forward to working closely with Kyrgyzstan on regional and international issues. He highlighted the historic links between the two countries through the ancient Silk Route and expressed confidence that the longstanding relationship could be strengthened further.

He said Pakistan was keen to expand trade by supplying quality products to Kyrgyzstan at competitive prices and called for enhanced cooperation in industry, research, innovation, and modern technology.

The president also emphasised the importance of investing in the younger generation and creating a peaceful and prosperous future through joint efforts.

Speaking on the occasion, Japarov said Kyrgyzstan attached great importance to its brotherly relations with Pakistan and was committed to taking bilateral ties to new heights.

He reaffirmed his country's resolve to implement the CASA-1000 project and enhance cooperation in the energy sector.

Japarov also said the two countries would expand collaboration in agriculture, textiles, mines and minerals, the halal industry, healthcare, information technology, science, education, and tourism.

According to state-run Radio Pakistan, a joint statement issued after talks between the presidents of both countries stated that the two sides emphasised the importance of expanding trade, economic and investment cooperation, reaffirming their readiness to support direct contacts between business communities, chambers of commerce, investment promotion agencies, banks and financial institutions.

They also agreed to encourage joint projects and the establishment of joint ventures. The leaders noted considerable potential for cooperation in the energy sector, particularly through the effective implementation of the CASA-1000 Project.