By Urdu Report Editorial Team
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan have agreed on practical measures to strengthen their economic partnership and increase bilateral trade from the current $16 million to $200 million within two years.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, the prime minister said Kyrgyzstan is an important partner for Pakistan in Central Asia. He said the signing of agreements and memorandums of understanding between the two countries would open a new chapter in bilateral cooperation.
Trade and Economic Cooperation
Shehbaz Sharif said the two countries would implement a comprehensive plan to promote trade, simplify commercial procedures, increase joint investment, expand industrial cooperation and strengthen direct business-to-business links.
He said the transit trade agreement would help boost bilateral trade, facilitate travel and strengthen regional connectivity. Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan have also agreed to simplify transport, customs and administrative procedures.
The prime minister said energy cooperation is an important pillar of the partnership. He stressed the need for timely completion of the CASA-1000 project and welcomed the establishment of a joint working group to expand cooperation in electricity, hydropower, alternative energy, energy infrastructure and modern technology.
He added that Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan would further expand cooperation in education, healthcare, science and technology, culture, tourism and climate change. The establishment of sister-city relations between the ancient cities of Osh and Lahore was also welcomed.
Security and Regional Cooperation
Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan would strengthen security and defence cooperation to address terrorism, extremism and other contemporary challenges.
He said both countries support an effective multilateral system for global peace and security and are working together at international forums, including the United Nations.
The prime minister congratulated Kyrgyzstan on its election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for 2027-2028 and on its successful chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. He also invited President Sadyr Japarov to visit Pakistan.
Kyrgyzstan Seeks Joint Projects with Pakistan
President Sadyr Japarov said Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan enjoy brotherly relations and want to further strengthen high-level contacts and mutual trust.
He described the economy as a key pillar of the bilateral partnership and said the two sides had agreed on structured measures to promote trade and investment.
According to Japarov, Kyrgyzstan is ready to pursue joint projects with Pakistan in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, energy, light machinery, tourism, the digital economy and virtual assets.
The Kyrgyz president said Pakistan’s seaports provide a natural route for Kyrgyzstan to access South Asian markets and global trade. He added that Kyrgyzstan can serve as an important gateway for Pakistan to reach Central Asian and Eurasian markets.
Education and People-to-People Contacts
President Japarov described the CASA-1000 project as highly important for meeting South Asia’s growing energy needs.
He said the two countries are also strengthening ties through people-to-people contacts, education, science, culture, tourism, youth exchanges and sports.
He noted that thousands of Pakistani students, particularly those studying medicine, are currently in Kyrgyzstan.
The two countries also exchanged agreements and memorandums of understanding covering cooperation in various fields. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Sadyr Japarov signed and exchanged the joint communiqué.
