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 Zardari and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov in Cholpon-Ata, where the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation across a range of sectors, including energy, agriculture, mining, textiles, the halal industry and pharmaceuticals.

They also agreed to accelerate work on the CASA-1000 energy project, aimed at enhancing electricity connectivity between Central and South Asia, while Pakistan expressed its willingness to facilitate Central Asian countries’ access to global markets through its seaports.

Focus on connectivity and economic cooperation

The two sides agreed to encourage joint investment and strengthen economic links by boosting trade and improving regional connectivity.

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

The leaders also reiterated their commitment to enhancing cooperation in agriculture, textiles, mining, halal products and the pharmaceutical sector, describing these areas as key drivers of future economic growth.

Commitment to regional peace and multilateral cooperation

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

They reaffirmed cooperation at the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, while stating that unilateral economic and financial sanctions undermine global food and energy security and hinder the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The Kyrgyz president also acknowledged Pakistan’s contributions to peace efforts at the United Nations 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, President Japarov 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 Pakistan would send a national delegation and sports teams to participate. The Pakistani president also invited his Kyrgyz counterpart to visit Pakistan, an invitation that President Japarov 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”.