BISHKEK: Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan have agreed to bolster their economic partnership, as announced during talks between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov in Bishkek. The two leaders outlined a comprehensive plan to increase bilateral trade to $200 million and enhance cooperation in various sectors.

According to Radio Pakistan, the discussions culminated in a joint press conference where Prime Minister Sharif emphasized the importance of connectivity in fostering economic integration between South Asia and Central Asia. He highlighted the signing of a transit trade agreement, which aims to facilitate trade and improve logistics, as a key development.

The leaders also focused on energy cooperation, reaffirming the significance of the CASA 1000 project and establishing a joint working group on energy to explore collaboration in electricity and renewable energy. Additionally, they expressed satisfaction with the growing cooperation in education, health, culture, and tourism.

Security and defense collaboration were also addressed, with both countries committing to combat terrorism and extremism. The leaders agreed on the importance of multilateralism and pledged to work together at international forums like the UN.

Kyrgyz President Japarov underscored the need to strengthen economic ties, identifying the economy as a primary pillar of the partnership. He pointed to Pakistan’s seaports as vital access points for Kyrgyzstan to South Asian and global markets, and expressed interest in joint projects across various sectors including pharmaceuticals and agriculture.

The meeting concluded with the signing of multiple memorandums of understanding and agreements to promote cooperation in fields such as transit trade, education, and climate change, further cementing the partnership between the two nations.