Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday pledged to increase bilateral trade with Kyrgyzstan to $200 million over the next two years, emphasizing the need for deeper cooperation between the two nations. He noted that current trade stands at approximately $16 million, a figure far below the strength of their longstanding friendship and brotherhood.
Speaking at a joint press conference alongside Kyrgyz President Sadyr Nurgozhoevich Japarov at the presidential palace in Bishkek, the prime minister highlighted agreements to enhance collaboration in education, science, technology, and culture. He stressed that both countries are focused on expanding trade relations, particularly through private sector engagement, aiming to achieve the $200 million annual trade target.
In a significant development, PM Shehbaz welcomed the transit trade agreement between Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan, describing it as a positive step forward. He also announced the designation of Lahore and the Kyrgyz city of Osh as twin cities, a move expected to strengthen cultural ties between the two countries.
Both leaders committed to cooperating on counterterrorism efforts, combating extremism, and addressing environmental challenges such as climate change. The prime minister expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended by the Kyrgyz president and congratulated Kyrgyzstan on its Independence Day, as well as its recent election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. He also lauded Kyrgyzstan’s leadership in successfully hosting the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit.
Earlier, PM Shehbaz was received with a guard of honour upon his arrival at the Kyrgyz presidential palace for talks with President Japarov. Prior to the press conference, senior officials from both countries signed multiple agreements to enhance cooperation across various sectors including trade, security, education, environment, and technology.
The two leaders witnessed the signing of a joint statement outlining the objectives of PM Shehbaz’s three-day visit. Key agreements included a diplomatic Programme of Cooperation between their foreign ministries for 2026-2027, and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad and Kyrgyzstan’s National Institute for Strategic Initiatives to bolster research collaboration.
Additional accords finalized during the visit covered transit trade facilitation, scientific and technological cooperation, and a treaty on extradition. A draft agreement on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters was also developed. Furthermore, an MoU between the interior ministries was signed to combat illicit trafficking of narcotics and related substances.
In the field of health, an MoU was signed between the Kyrgyz Ministry of Health and the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council to promote cooperation in medical education. Another MoU between the education ministries of both countries aims to foster educational collaboration.
Environmental cooperation was strengthened through an MoU between Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision and Pakistan’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination. The National Defence University Pakistan and the National Institute for Strategic Initiatives of Kyrgyzstan also signed an MoU for academic research and joint activities.
Notably, the National Agency for Virtual Assets and Blockchain Technologies under the Kyrgyz presidency and Pakistan’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority agreed to collaborate on virtual asset regulation. The two nations formalized a sister city relationship between Lahore and Osh to enhance cultural and economic ties.
Further agreements included a bilateral pact between OJSC Kyrgyz Post and Pakistan Post to cooperate in postal services and e-commerce, as well as a deal between the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Kyrgyzstan and the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry aimed at boosting bilateral business relations.
