ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov on Thursday pledged to expedite the CASA-1000 project (Central Asia-South Asia power transmission line) energy corridor, terming it a key pillar of bilateral cooperation, regional connectivity, importance for regional energy security and economic cooperation.
The pledge was made during a high-level meeting between Presidents Zardari and Zhaparov, where Zardari highlighted that this was the first Kyrgyz presidential visit in twenty years, boosting the historically strong ties between the two nations, rooted in shared faith and cultural affinity.
The leaders discussed bilateral cooperation in trade, energy, connectivity, and education, acknowledging that current trade levels don’t reflect their economies’ full potential. The Kyrgyz business delegation at the Pakistan-Kyrgyzstan Business Forum highlighted the commitment to expand economic ties. President Zardari praised Kyrgyzstan’s completion of its CASA-1000 segment and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to finishing its part. They also expressed satisfaction with the operational road corridor under the Quadrilateral Traffic in Transit Agreement.
Zardari reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to offering Kyrgyzstan the shortest route to the Arabian Sea and emphasized the need to expand direct flights to boost trade, tourism, and people-to-people ties.
He thanked Kyrgyzstan for hosting many Pakistani students and workers and informed President Zhaparov that Kyrgyzstan has been added to Pakistan’s business visa list and visa prior to arrival categories, encouraging reciprocal facilitation for Pakistani visitors. Zardari also recalled that Benazir Bhutto was the first Pakistani prime minister to visit Kyrgyzstan in 1995, a trip he accompanied her on.
The meeting reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to enhancing cooperation in trade, energy, connectivity, education, banking, and people-to-people exchanges for mutual benefit. President Zhaparov informed Zardari of a new law in Kyrgyzstan, reserving 30% of parliamentary seats for women, and thanked Pakistan for supporting Kyrgyzstan’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council. He also invited Zardari to visit Kyrgyzstan at his convenience. The leaders also discussed regional and international issues.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from both sides. Kyrgyz participants included Foreign Minister Zheenbek Kulubaev, Energy Minister Taalaibek Ibraev, and Economy Minister Bakyt Sydykov, among others. The Pakistani delegation included Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Foreign Minister Jam Kamal Khan, and Energy Minister Awais Leghari.
Following the meeting, a state banquet was held in honor of President Zhaparov, attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chairman Senate Yousuf Raza Gilani, and senior officials from the government and military, as well as members of the diplomatic corps.
President Zardarialso conveyed early birthday wishes to President Zhaparov, who turns 57 on December 6, with the orchestra playing happy birthday in celebration.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Comments
Comments are closed for this article.