Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan agree to elevate ties to strategic partnership

WEB DESK: Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan have agreed to elevate their bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership, deepen trade and investment cooperation, and strengthen collaboration on regional connectivity, security and multilateral diplomacy, according to a joint declaration issued during President Asif Ali Zardari’s visit to Kyrgyzstan.

The declaration followed talks between President Asif Ali Zardari and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov in Cholpon-Ata, where the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in energy, agriculture, mining, textiles, the halal industry and pharmaceuticals.

The two sides also agreed to accelerate work on the CASA-1000 energy project to enhance electricity connectivity between Central and South Asia, while Pakistan reiterated its willingness to facilitate Central Asian countries’ access to global markets through its seaports.

The leaders agreed to encourage joint investment, strengthen economic cooperation, boost bilateral trade and improve regional connectivity.

The joint declaration highlighted the importance of the CASA-1000 project and underscored Pakistan’s role as a gateway for Central Asian states seeking access to international markets through its ports.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in agriculture, textiles, mining, halal products and the pharmaceutical sector, describing these areas as key drivers of future economic growth.

President Zardari and President Japarov also pledged to work together in combating terrorism and extremism to promote regional peace and stability.

The two leaders reaffirmed cooperation at the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

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They also stated that unilateral economic and financial sanctions undermine global food and energy security and hinder efforts to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

President Japarov acknowledged Pakistan’s contributions to United Nations peace efforts and its mediation role in the Middle East, welcoming the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding aimed at promoting lasting peace in the region.

During the meeting, the Kyrgyz president invited President Zardari to attend the World Nomad Games, scheduled to be held in Kyrgyzstan in August 2026.

President Zardari accepted the invitation and confirmed that Pakistan would send a national delegation and sports teams to participate.

The Pakistani president also invited President Japarov to visit Pakistan, an invitation that the Kyrgyz leader accepted.

President Zardari further welcomed the unanimous adoption by the United Nations General Assembly of the Kyrgyz Republic’s resolution titled “Peaceful Settlement of Border Disputes.”