President Asif Ali Zardari and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov on Tuesday reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties, expanding economic cooperation, and enhancing regional connectivity. The commitment was made during delegation-level talks held in Bishkek, a day after President Zardari arrived in Kyrgyzstan for a four-day official visit at the invitation of Japarov. The visit follows President Japarov's trip to Pakistan in December last year.
Deep-Rooted Brotherhood and Shared History
Speaking at the talks, President Zardari emphasized that Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan share deep-rooted brotherly relations based on common faith, shared history, and cultural links. He stressed the need to further deepen cooperation by increasing trade, improving connectivity through more direct flights, and exploring new avenues of collaboration. The president said both countries should work together to achieve shared progress, noting that neighbors must strengthen cooperation for mutual prosperity.
Congratulation on UN Security Council Election
President Zardari congratulated Kyrgyzstan on its election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2027–2028 term. He described this as a reflection of the international community's confidence in the country's constructive role in promoting peace, security, and multilateral cooperation. He said Pakistan looks forward to working closely with Kyrgyzstan on regional and international issues.
Historic Silk Route Links and Modern Cooperation
Highlighting the historic links between the two countries through the ancient Silk Route, President Zardari expressed confidence that the longstanding relationship could be strengthened further. He said Pakistan is keen to expand trade by supplying quality products to Kyrgyzstan at competitive prices and called for enhanced cooperation in industry, research, innovation, and modern technology. The president also emphasized the importance of investing in the younger generation and creating a peaceful and prosperous future through joint efforts.
Kyrgyz President's Remarks
Speaking on the occasion, President Japarov said Kyrgyzstan attaches great importance to its brotherly relations with Pakistan and is committed to taking bilateral ties to new heights. He reaffirmed his country's resolve to implement the CASA-1000 project and enhance cooperation in the energy sector. Japarov also said the two countries will expand collaboration in agriculture, textiles, mines and minerals, the halal industry, healthcare, information technology, science, education, and tourism.
Joint Statement and Economic Cooperation
According to state-run Radio Pakistan, a joint statement issued after the talks stated that the two sides emphasized the importance of expanding trade, economic, and investment cooperation. They reaffirmed their readiness to support direct contacts between business communities, chambers of commerce, investment promotion agencies, banks, and financial institutions. The leaders also agreed to encourage joint projects and the establishment of joint ventures. They noted considerable potential for cooperation in the energy sector, particularly through the effective implementation of the CASA-1000 Project, which aims to transmit electricity from Central Asia to South Asia.
