Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan signed a series of agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) on Thursday during the first official visit of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov to Pakistan in two decades.
The ceremony, attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, aims to elevate bilateral ties and expand cooperation across numerous sectors.
A formal reception was held at the Prime Minister House, where President Zhaparov was presented a Guard of Honour and welcomed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Both leaders exchanged warm greetings, with Sharif introducing his federal ministers and Zhaparov presenting members of his delegation.
The Kyrgyz president also planted a sapling in the premises of the Prime Minister House and offered prayers — symbolically marking the beginning of a renewed partnership.
Extensive MoUs and agreements exchanged
Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan signed a broad set of agreements aimed at deepening cooperation in strategic and economic sectors. These included:
- MoU between Pakistan’s Foreign Services Academy and Kyrgyzstan’s Diplomatic Academy
- MoUs between the Ministry of Commerce (Pakistan) and Ministry of Economy (Kyrgyzstan)
- MoU on cooperation in mining and geosciences
- MoU on tourism cooperation
- MoU on energy sector collaboration
- MoU on the use of Pakistani ports for mutual cooperation
- MoU on agricultural sector cooperation
- MoU between customs authorities for electronic data interchange
- Agreement on the exchange of convicted prisoners
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and the Kyrgyz foreign minister exchanged the official documents on behalf of their respective countries.
Commitment to stronger ties
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Zhaparov also signed a joint declaration, reaffirming their resolve to take bilateral relations “to new heights”. Sharif emphasized that relations between Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan are rooted in history and have grown steadily since diplomatic ties were established in 1992.
“This visit is of great importance and will provide a new direction for cooperation in various fields,” the PM said, welcoming the Kyrgyz president on behalf of Pakistan’s 240 million people.
He stressed that Pakistan places great importance on its ties with Kyrgyzstan, noting that the talks covered regional issues, global challenges, and areas of mutual interest.
President Zhaparov praises Pakistan’s role
President Sadyr Zhaparov thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for the warm welcome and hospitality. He described Pakistan as an important partner in South Asia and a reliable friend of Kyrgyzstan.
President Zhaparov highlighted that both countries’ shared stance on global issues and had a joint commitment to eliminating terrorism. He further stressed the need to expand cooperation in communications, transport, and trade.
He also underscored the significance of holding a business forum to enhance trade, advancing projects such as CASA-1000 that are critical for regional energy needs and increasing cooperation in education, science, and technology.
The Kyrgyz president noted that 12,000 Pakistani students are currently studying in Kyrgyzstan and invited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to visit the country.
Strengthening cooperation across sectors
Both sides expressed confidence that the agreements — spanning energy, mining, ports, agriculture, education, commerce, and tourism — would significantly enhance bilateral cooperation. The leaders reiterated their joint commitment to exploring untapped opportunities and further strengthening economic, diplomatic, and cultural ties.
Prime Minister Sharif said that the agreements reflect both countries’ shared vision for regional stability, economic growth, and global cooperation.
