BISHKEK: Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan have taken significant steps to enhance their bilateral relations, as announced by the President of Kyrgyzstan during an official visit by Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. The two nations signed a Joint Statement and a series of bilateral agreements aimed at expanding cooperation in various sectors, including trade, energy, and education.

According to Press Information Department, Kyrgyzstan’s President expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Sharif for his visit, marking it as a continuation of high-level exchanges following the Kyrgyz President’s visit to Pakistan in December and the subsequent visit of Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari to Kyrgyzstan in July. The President highlighted the increased momentum in Kyrgyz-Pakistani relations and emphasized the importance of mutual trust and cooperation amid rising international tensions.

During the talks, both leaders agreed to bolster economic ties by increasing bilateral trade and exploring joint projects in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, energy, and other industries. Transport and logistics were also a focal point, with discussions on utilizing Pakistan’s seaports for Kyrgyzstan’s access to South Asian markets and positioning Kyrgyzstan as a transport bridge for Pakistan to Central Asia and beyond.

The energy sector cooperation was underscored with a commitment to the CASA-1000 project, which aims to connect Central Asia’s energy potential with South Asia’s growing demands. Furthermore, the leaders discussed enhancing people-to-people contacts, noting the presence of Pakistani students in Kyrgyzstan and emphasizing cultural and educational exchanges.

The President also congratulated Pakistan on its chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and expressed Kyrgyzstan’s support. The visit concluded with an optimistic outlook on the future implementation of the agreements reached, aiming to fortify the foundation of Kyrgyz-Pakistani friendship.