ISLAMABAD (Web desk) – Pakistan has expressed strong commitment to enhancing trade with Kyrgyzstan, setting a target to increase bilateral trade volume from the current $15 million to $200 million within the next two years.
The development comes as both countries signed a series of important agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) during a high-level ceremony held at the Prime Minister’s House on Wednesday.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov witnessed the signing of multiple MoUs across diverse sectors, including mining, geosciences, energy, culture, tourism, foreign services, and prisoner exchange. In a symbolic gesture to deepen people-to-people relations, Bishkek and Islamabad were officially declared twin cities.
Speaking at the ceremony, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the visiting president, describing the visit as “historic and highly significant” for bilateral ties. He said Pakistan attaches great importance to its relationship with Kyrgyzstan, adding that the agreements marked a substantial step forward in strengthening cooperation.
“We have reaffirmed our collective resolve to take our relations to new heights,” the prime minister stated. “The Pakistan-Kyrgyzstan Business Forum will open new avenues for economic cooperation, trade and investment.”
PM said 15 MoUs and agreements were signed, highlighting that enhanced trade connectivity and collaboration would particularly benefit energy, regional linkages, and youth development programs.
Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov thanked Pakistan for its warm hospitality, calling the country “a trusted and important partner in South Asia.” He emphasised that the CASA-1000 energy project remains vital for meeting regional energy demands, while cooperation in education, science, technology and transportation will continue to grow.
Zhaparov also praised ongoing counter-terrorism coordination and said both countries share similar views on global and regional matters. At the conclusion of the ceremony, he extended a formal invitation to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to visit Kyrgyzstan.
