Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan have entered a new era of bilateral cooperation after signing a series of wide-ranging agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) during Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov’s official visit to Islamabad—his first visit to Pakistan in over twenty years.
Warm Welcome at PM House
President Zhaparov received a formal reception at the Prime Minister House, where Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed him with a ceremonial Guard of Honour. The two leaders held a cordial meeting, during which they introduced their respective delegations and planted a sapling to symbolize the start of renewed cooperation.
Extensive Agreements Signed Across Sectors
Both countries signed multiple MoUs to strengthen institutional cooperation and boost economic, commercial, and strategic engagement. Key agreements included:
- MoU between Pakistan’s Foreign Service Academy and Kyrgyzstan’s Diplomatic Academy
- MoUs on trade and economic cooperation between the Ministry of Commerce (Pakistan) and Ministry of Economy (Kyrgyzstan)
- MoU on cooperation in mining and geosciences
- Energy sector collaboration MoU, aimed at enhancing regional power connectivity
- Tourism cooperation MoU
- MoU on the use of Pakistani seaports for bilateral and regional cooperation
- Agricultural cooperation MoU
- Customs electronic data interchange MoU, enabling smoother trade
- Agreement on the exchange of convicted prisoners
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and the Kyrgyz foreign minister exchanged official documents on behalf of their countries.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Zhaparov signed a Joint Declaration, expressing their shared intent to take Pakistan–Kyrgyzstan relations “to new heights.” PM Shehbaz emphasized that relations between the two nations are deeply rooted in history and have steadily progressed since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1992.
He noted that the visit would “open new avenues of cooperation in multiple sectors,” particularly trade, energy, and regional connectivity.
Kyrgyz President Praises Pakistan’s Role
President Sadyr Zhaparov expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s warm hospitality, calling Pakistan a “reliable partner” and an important country in South Asia. He highlighted the importance of expanding cooperation in:
- Communications and transport
- Trade & investment
- Energy projects, including CASA-1000
- Education, science & technology
He also noted that around 12,000 Pakistani students currently study in Kyrgyzstan—an important people-to-people link—and invited PM Shehbaz to visit his country.
Shared Focus on Regional Stability and Economic Growth
Both leaders discussed shared challenges such as terrorism, regional security, and economic development. They reaffirmed their commitment to working together for regional connectivity initiatives that could benefit Central Asia and South Asia.
PM Shehbaz stressed the importance of utilizing these agreements to unlock new economic potential and boost cooperation in energy, agriculture, trade, and infrastructure.
Looking Ahead
With a broad set of agreements now signed, both countries are optimistic that the strengthened cooperation will elevate their bilateral relationship. The visit marks a strategic milestone in Pakistan–Kyrgyzstan relations, laying the groundwork for stronger diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties in the coming years.
