Islamabad: 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 Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov in Islamabad on Thursday. During the talks, the Prime Minister was assisted by the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff, National Security Advisor Lieutenant General Asim Malik and Special Assistant Syed Tariq Fatemi.

The Prime Minister emphasized that Pakistan attached high importance to its brotherly relations with the Kyrgyz Republic. He reiterated Pakistan's abiding commitment to enhancing its engagement with the Central Asian states under the 'Vision Central Asia' policy.

Both leaders emphasized the significance of expanding and deepening Pakistan-Kyrgyz relations, that were underpinned by historic links, cultural similarities, shared values, and a common vision for regional peace and prosperity. They reviewed progress on existing cooperation frameworks and reaffirmed their shared resolve to further strengthen this partnership, particularly in the areas of trade, energy, connectivity and people-to-people contacts.

Highlighting the need to enhance economic cooperation, the two sides agreed to expand bilateral trade and investment, setting a target of USD 200 million bilateral trade volume by 2027-28, through effective implementation of the signed agreements/MoUs and a result-oriented approach. The two leaders noted with satisfaction the fruitful Fifth meeting of the Kyrgyz-Pakistan Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation, held in Islamabad, on 28-29 July 2025.

Both sides recognized the importance of energy connectivity for regional stability. They reiterated their shared vision of timely and effective implementation of the CASA-1000 project, which represents a cornerstone of regional energy cooperation and a vital link between Central and South Asia.

The two leaders also stressed upon the vital need for well developed, secure, sustainable and diversified connectivity routes between Kyrgyz Republic and Pakistan to ensure the further enhancement of bilateral as well as regional trade. In this regard, they expressed satisfaction over operationalization of the road corridor between Pakistan and Kyrgyz Republic under Quadrilateral Traffic in Transit Agreement (QTTA).

During the talks, both sides also exchanged views on important regional and global developments. While expressing their concern over the escalating threats to peace and security in the region, they agreed that disputes must be resolved through peaceful means in accordance with international law including the UN Charter, and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

Both leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to a peaceful and stable Afghanistan and a sustainable future for its people. They agreed that the Afghan Taliban regime must honor its commitments to the international community, and address Pakistan's legitimate security concerns, by taking concrete and verifiable actions against terrorist entities.

The two sides exchanged views on the ongoing peace efforts in Gaza and reiterated their unwavering support for the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and the establishment of a sovereign, viable, contiguous, and independent Palestinian state, based on pre-June 1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

Thereafter, both leaders witnessed the exchange of 15 MoUs and agreements in various sectors including energy, mining, trade, education, law and justice, agriculture, culture and tourism.

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, PM 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 15 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.

PM Shehbaz Sharif highlighted that the two countries will also sign an MOU later this evening to enhance their trade from about 15 million dollars to 200 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.

Meanwhile Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov on Thursday signed a joint statement to enhance comprehensive bilateral cooperation between their countries.

The two countries also exchanged 15 MoUs and agreements, covering diverse areas including mining and geo sciences, energy, agriculture, tourism, the transfer of sentenced prisoners, customs, surgical instruments and culture.

One of the agreements was related to establishing sister city relationship between Bishkek and Islamabad. One MOU envisaged cooperation in the field of utilization of Pakistani ports for regional connectivity.

Furthermore, an MOU was signed between Foreign Services Academy of Pakistan and the Diplomatic Academy of Kyrgyz Republic. Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyz Republic and the National University of Modern Languages also signed a MOU to foster cooperation.

Meanwhile a formal welcome ceremony in honour of President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov was held at the Prime Minister House in Islamabad.

A smartly turned out contingent of armed forces presented guard of honour to the visiting dignitary.

On the occasion anthems of both the countries were played.

Earlier on arrival at the Prime Minister house, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif received the President of Kyrgyzstan.