ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Thursday announced that Pakistan is ready to offer Kyrgyzstan access to global markets through its strategic ports, positioning the country as a gateway to the Indian Ocean.
This move is significant for Kyrgyzstan, a landlocked nation, as it will provide direct access to international trade routes via Pakistan’s ports, including Gwadar and Karachi.
This could improve Kyrgyzstan’s trade connectivity with South Asia, the Middle East, and beyond, boosting its export potential and supporting regional economic integration.
Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan discuss ways to enhance bilateral trade
In a joint press conference with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov, Sharif emphasised both countries’ commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. The leaders outlined their shared goals in areas such as trade, defence, cultural exchange, and connectivity.
“We share historic links that are timeless,” Sharif said, highlighting the long-standing relationship built on mutual respect, trust, and common aspirations.
The leaders oversaw the signing of 15 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and agreements, aimed at deepening cooperation in sectors such as politics, trade, energy, agriculture, education, and culture. Sharif stated that these agreements would create a structured framework for future engagement.
Sharif also stressed the importance of people-to-people exchanges, with agreements in place to promote cultural events, tourism, and academic partnerships. He noted that such initiatives would help solidify the strong bond between the two nations.
President Zhaparov, for his part, reaffirmed Pakistan’s role as a key strategic partner in South Asia, praising the country’s economic development and ambitious infrastructure projects under Sharif’s leadership.
Discussions during the visit also focused on enhancing bilateral trade, investment, transport, logistics, education, and science. Zhaparov expressed support for expanding the Kyrgyz-Pakistani Business Council, which he said could help connect the business communities of both countries.
The two leaders also discussed the CASA-1000 energy project, which aims to link Central and South Asia. Zhaparov highlighted its potential to create a unified energy network between the two regions.
In education, President Zhaparov noted that over 2,000 Pakistani students are currently studying in Kyrgyz universities, and both sides are looking to expand scientific collaboration and academic exchanges.
On security, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to combatting terrorism, extremism, and transnational crime, agreeing to strengthen cooperation between their respective security agencies.
Zhaparov, who also chairs the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), invited Sharif to attend next year’s SCO summit in Bishkek as a guest of honour, as well as Kyrgyzstan’s Independence Day celebrations.
In conclusion, Sharif described the visit as a significant milestone in advancing bilateral relations, reiterating both nations’ readiness to explore new avenues for cooperation.
The meeting was attended by Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Syed AsimMunir, National Security Advisor Asim Malik, and senior officials from both sides.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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