Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov held comprehensive bilateral and delegation-level meetings on Thursday, focusing on expanding cooperation in trade, energy, communications, and regional security.
The visit marks the first by a Kyrgyz head of state in two decades and is being hailed as a major step toward revitalizing Pakistan–Kyrgyzstan relations.
During the bilateral meeting at the Prime Minister House, both leaders exchanged views on deepening ties across trade, energy, communications, and various other sectors. Prime Minister Shehbaz called President Zhaparov’s visit “highly welcome,” saying it would prove extremely valuable in enhancing bilateral cooperation.
The Kyrgyz president, while thanking Pakistan for the warm reception, expressed a strong desire to expand cooperation and explore new avenues in multiple sectors.
Top civil, military leadership included
A delegation-level meeting followed, attended by army chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, National Security Advisor Lieutenant General Asim Malik, Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi, and other senior officials.
Prime Minister Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening relations with Central Asian countries, underscoring the importance of Pakistan’s Vision Central Asia policy. Both leaders reaffirmed the need to promote and expand mutual relations, particularly in trade, energy, and communications.
Agreements signed; trade target set at $200m
According to the official statement, Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan signed multiple agreements and MoUs during the visit. Both sides agreed to increase bilateral trade to $200 million, marking a significant step toward economic integration.
The leaders expressed satisfaction with the successful fifth meeting of the Joint Commission and reaffirmed their commitment to the CASA-1000 energy project, describing it as a critical milestone for linking Central and South Asia.
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They also emphasized the importance of secure, stable, and multilateral connectivity between the two countries and welcomed progress on the Quadrilateral Traffic in Transit Agreement road corridor.
Regional and global issues discussed
PM Shehbaz and President Zhaparov held in-depth discussions on major regional and global issues, expressing concern over rising threats to regional peace and security. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a peaceful and stable Afghanistan, agreed that the Afghan Taliban government must fulfil its promises to the international community, and stressed the need for action against terrorists to address Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns.
They also reviewed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, reiterating unwavering support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
Strengthening ties, future collaboration
The leaders agreed to further enhance cooperation in trade, energy, communications, and broader connectivity sectors. President Zhaparov praised Pakistan as an important partner in South Asia and said he looked forward to exploring new initiatives to boost cooperation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hosted a luncheon in honour of the Kyrgyz president and his delegation, reflecting the warmth and significance of the visit.
