Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan vow to boost ties in diverse fields

Islamabad:(Radio Pakistan) Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan have reaffirmed the shared resolve to elevate their relations by enhancing cooperation in political, trade, connectivity, energy, agriculture, education, defense and cultural domains. 

The affirmation was made at a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov in Islamabad today.

Later addressing a joint press stakeout along with the Kyrgyz President, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif noted that Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan share links that are not merely historic but are timeless. He mentioned that both the countries have nurtured a relationship grounded in mutual trust, respect and shared aspirations since the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

Describing his talks with the Kyrgyz President as fruitful, Shehbaz Sharif said we have detailed exchange of views in bilateral relations as well as important regional and international developments.

The Prime Minister said the fifteen MoUs and agreements signed today between the two countries will serve as a framework for structured and result oriented engagement and closer institutional linkages in various fields of mutual interest.

Shehbaz Sharif highlighted that the two countries will also sign an MOU later this evening to enhance their trade from about fifteen million dollars to two hundred million dollars in the next two years.  

The Prime Minister said Pakistan is a gateway to the Indian Ocean and stands ready to provide Kyrgyzstan access to regional and global markets through its ports.

He said our discussions highlighted the need to strengthen people to people exchanges through cultural initiatives, tourism promotion and academic partnerships. He said the two sides have agreed to hold cultural events in each other's countries.  He said this will further reinforce the solid foundation of our friendship and brotherhood.

Speaking on the occasion, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov emphasized that Pakistan is our important partner in South Asia.

The Kyrgyz President said he views Pakistan's dynamic development, its growing economic development, and its ambitious infrastructure projects as a testament of the vision of the Prime Minister and his leadership.

He said today both sides held expended discussions on the current agenda and future prospects of Kyrgyz-Pakistani cooperation. He said we paid special attention to activating collaboration in trade, economy, investment, transport, logistic education and science.

The President of Kyrgyzstan said we attach special importance to further developing Kyrgyz-Pakistani Business Council as an effective mechanism for bringing together the business communities of both the countries.

Welcoming the Kyrgyz-Pakistani Business Council Forum in Islamabad, he termed the full use of transport and transit potential of Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan to be one of the most important areas of our partnership.

The President of Kyrgyzstan said we highlighted the key role of KASA-1000 which will serve as the corner stone in establishing a unified energy sphere between Central and South Asia.

He expressed his confidence that timely implementation of this project will deliver significant mutual benefit of our people.

The President of Kyrgyzstan said both sides also exchanged views on the further cooperation in education sector. He said currently, more than two thousand Pakistani students are studying in higher educational institutions in Kyrgyzstan.

The Kyrgyz President expressed his readiness to implement new initiatives in the education sectors to further strengthening scientific collaboration. 

To enhance humanitarian and cultural ties, both sides agreed to celebrate days of culture in Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan.

In the field of security, we reaffirmed our shared commitment to combating terrorism extremism and transnational crimes. We agreed to strengthen cooperation between competent authorities to ensure peace, security and stability in the region.

The President of Kyrgyzstan, being the chairman of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, invited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to attend as guest of honour the SCO Summit in Bishkek next year as well the Independence Day celebrations of Kyrgyzstan. 

The President of Kyrgyzstan also extended gratitude to the government and people of Pakistan for extending warm reception and gracious hospitality during his visit.

During the meeting, Kyrgyz President expressed desire to enhance cooperation with Pakistan in various sectors and explore new opportunities for mutual collaboration.

The Prime Minister said President Sadyr Japarov's visit will prove to be highly beneficial in further promoting bilateral cooperation.

The meeting was attended by Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, National Security Advisor Lieutenant General Asim Malik and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi.