Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan agree to deepen strategic partnership across trade, connectivity and security

Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan have agreed to broaden bilateral cooperation by pursuing a strategic partnership centred on trade, investment, regional connectivity and security, as President Asif Ali Zardari and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov concluded talks in Bishkek on Tuesday.

In a joint statement issued after their meeting, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening political engagement and accelerating the implementation of agreements reached during President Zhaparov's visit to Pakistan in December. They also directed the relevant ministries and government agencies to intensify efforts aimed at expanding trade, investment and business cooperation.

The two sides identified economic collaboration as a priority, pledging stronger engagement between chambers of commerce, investment promotion agencies, banking institutions and the private sector while encouraging joint ventures and investment projects.

They also highlighted significant opportunities for cooperation in energy, particularly through the implementation of the CASA-1000 project, alongside sectors including mining, agriculture, textiles, light manufacturing, the halal industry, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, digital technologies, tourism and financial services. Discussions also covered cooperation in medical education, vaccine and biological product manufacturing, regulatory harmonisation and pharmaceutical production.

Regional connectivity featured prominently in the talks, with both leaders reaffirming the importance of implementing agreements on transport, logistics and transit. They agreed to continue working on the effective utilisation of Pakistan's seaports while exploring Kyrgyzstan's transit potential to improve access to Central Asian markets and the Eurasian Economic Union. Additional measures to increase cargo movement between the two countries were also discussed.

On the security front, Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan agreed to enhance cooperation against terrorism, extremism, organised crime, illicit narcotics trafficking, cybercrime and irregular migration. The two leaders also condemned terrorist attacks in the region and beyond and pledged to continue coordination through international organisations, including the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO).

President Zardari expressed support for Kyrgyzstan's priorities during its chairmanship of the SCO, while both sides agreed to maintain close coordination during Pakistan's upcoming chairmanships of the SCO and ECO. President Zhaparov also thanked Pakistan for backing Kyrgyzstan's successful bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term, while appreciating Pakistan's contributions as a UNSC member for 2025-2026 and its role in facilitating dialogue that led to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran.

Both countries expressed hope that the Islamabad MoU would contribute to lasting regional peace and reiterated that a stable security environment is essential for unlocking the economic and connectivity potential between Central and South Asia.

The two leaders also agreed to expand cooperation in education, science, culture, tourism, youth exchanges and public health. Pakistan endorsed Kyrgyzstan's hosting of the Second Global Mountain Summit Bishkek+25 in 2027, while accepting an invitation to participate in the VI World Nomad Games, scheduled to be held in Kyrgyzstan from August 31 to September 7.

Addressing delegation-level talks, President Zardari said Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan should "find ways and means of progressing together", describing the relationship as one rooted in shared faith, history and culture. He said Pakistan was prepared to supply commodities to Kyrgyzstan at competitive prices and expressed interest in expanding cooperation across a range of industries and research initiatives.

President Zardari arrived in Kyrgyzstan on July 6 for a four-day official visit, which will conclude on July 9. Both leaders expressed confidence that the visit would further strengthen bilateral relations and promote mutually beneficial cooperation, while President Zhaparov accepted an invitation to undertake a return visit to Pakistan on dates to be finalised through diplomatic channels.