Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has set a target to increase Pakistan-Kyrgyzstan trade to $200 million within the next two years, saying the current trade volume does not reflect the strength of bilateral relations.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov at the presidential palace in Bishkek, Shehbaz said trade between the two countries currently stood at around $16 million.
He described the figure as far below the potential of the two countries’ close and longstanding ties. He called for greater economic engagement and stronger interaction between their business communities.
16 Agreements Signed
Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan signed and exchanged 16 agreements and memoranda of understanding during the ceremony.
The agreements cover foreign affairs, strategic studies, transit trade, education, health, science and technology, climate change, trade and other areas.
The two countries signed a programme of cooperation between their foreign ministries. They also signed an MoU between the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad and the Kyrgyz National Institute for Strategic Initiatives.
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Another agreement focused on transit trade, while an MoU seeks to strengthen cooperation between the education ministries of both countries.
The two sides also agreed to cooperate against narcotics, psychotropic substances and smuggling.
An agreement between the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council and Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Health will promote cooperation in medical education.
Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan further signed agreements covering scientific and technical cooperation, environmental protection and climate change.
The two sides also exchanged documents aimed at strengthening cooperation between chambers of commerce and signed an MoU on collaboration in the virtual assets sector.
Lahore and Osh to Become Sister Cities
Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan also agreed to establish a sister-city relationship between Lahore and Osh.
Prime Minister Shehbaz said the initiative would strengthen cultural ties and people-to-people contacts between the two countries.
The National Defence University Islamabad and the Kyrgyz National Institute for Strategic Initiatives also signed an MoU to promote research cooperation.
Other agreements cover postal services and e-commerce between the two countries. Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan also reached an agreement concerning the extradition of accused persons.
Prime Minister Shehbaz and President Zhaparov signed a joint declaration reaffirming their commitment to closer bilateral cooperation.
Focus on Trade and Connectivity
Speaking at the joint press conference, Shehbaz said Pakistan wanted to deepen its economic relationship with Kyrgyzstan.
He said both governments would encourage the private sector to play a greater role in expanding trade and investment.
The prime minister described the transit trade agreement as an important development. He said both sides would work to simplify regulations and remove barriers to greater commercial activity.
Shehbaz also welcomed the formation of a joint ministerial group to advance cooperation on the CASA-1000 energy project.
He said Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan would expand cooperation in education, science and technology and culture.
The prime minister also stressed the importance of cooperation against terrorism and extremism. He said the two countries had agreed to work together on climate-related challenges.
He described Kyrgyzstan as an important partner for Pakistan in Central Asia and said both countries would strengthen coordination at bilateral, regional and international forums.
Shehbaz also invited President Zhaparov to visit Pakistan.
Kyrgyz President Backs Stronger Ties
President Sadyr Zhaparov welcomed Prime Minister Shehbaz and his delegation, describing Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan as close and brotherly countries.
He said Kyrgyzstan wanted to expand cooperation with Pakistan and highlighted opportunities for investment in both countries.
Zhaparov also expressed support for stronger high-level contacts and closer bilateral engagement.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz arrived at Yntymak Ordo, where Kyrgyz authorities accorded him a red-carpet welcome and a guard of honour.
The visit is expected to give further momentum to bilateral relations, with both countries seeking to expand cooperation in trade, connectivity, energy, education and other sectors.
