Kyrgyz President arrives on historic visit with trade boost, CASA-1000 and connectivity on agenda

Kyrgyz President arrives on historic visit with trade boost, CASA-1000 and connectivity on agenda

ISLAMABAD: Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Zhaparov arrived in Islamabad on Wednesday for a historic two-day state visit, marking the first visit by any Kyrgyz head of state in 20 years, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation in trade, energy, connectivity, education, and people-to-people relations, according to state media.

The visit underscores the enduring bond between Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan, rooted in deep cultural, historical, and spiritual affinities, as well as their shared commitment to regional cooperation through multilateral forums such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

President Zhaparov, accompanied by a high-level delegation of senior cabinet ministers, officials, and prominent business leaders, landed at Nur Khan Airbase, where Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari accorded him a warm welcome, the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan reported.

A 21-gun salute was fired in his honour, and children in traditional attire presented him with a bouquet, reflecting Pakistan’s ceremonial hospitality.

The Prime Minister’s Office noted that the invitation for the visit had been extended by PM Shehbaz Sharif himself.

Speaking on X, the premier described the visit as a “long-awaited moment in our enduring brotherhood” and expressed optimism about a “meaningful and forward-looking engagement,” emphasising that Pakistan and the Kyrgyz Republic are “poised for a bright future together.”

Separately, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar welcomed his Kyrgyz counterpart at the Foreign Office, where the two leaders reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations, focusing on trade, energy, education, connectivity, and people-to-people ties.

They also discussed regional and international developments of mutual interest and reiterated their commitment to strengthen and diversify cooperation in all areas of shared interest.

Both sides agreed to regular meetings of Pakistan-Kyrgyzstan Bilateral Political Consultations and the Bilateral Inter-Governmental Commission to unlock the full potential of their relationship. They also stressed enhancing economic cooperation, noting the convening of a business forum on the sidelines of the visit and the early finalisation of the Transit Trade Agreement, which aims to raise bilateral trade to $100 million.

The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the timely and effective implementation of the CASA-1000 project and underscored the importance of secure, sustainable, and diversified connectivity routes to further strengthen bilateral and regional trade. FM Dar also appreciated the Kyrgyz government and people for hosting Pakistani students and workers, agreeing to institutionalise and enhance people-to-people cooperation.

During the visit, he is expected to meet the President Asif Ali Zardari, hold a tête-à-tête followed by delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and address the Pakistan-Kyrgyzstan Business Forum.

The two sides will review the full spectrum of bilateral relations and explore new avenues to further deepen cooperation across diverse sectors, including trade, energy, defence, education, people-to-people exchanges, and regional connectivity.

The last presidential visit from the Kyrgyz Republic took place in January 2005.

Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan have also pursued collaboration in cryptocurrency, blockchain technology, and digital finance and remain active partners within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, which includes China, Russia, India, and Iran. The historic visit signals a renewed momentum in diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties, opening avenues for strategic collaboration and regional connectivity for both nations

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courtesy pakistantoday.com.pk