Kyrgyz President’s First Visit in 20 Years Brings New Momentum

Arrival and Reception

Islamabad: President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Nurgozhoevich Zhaparov arrived in Pakistan on Wednesday for a two‑day maiden state visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He was warmly received at Nur Khan Airbase by President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz, with a gun salute and children in traditional attire presenting bouquets. The capital’s avenues were decorated with flags and portraits of the visiting dignitary.

Guard of Honour and Formal Talks

On Thursday, President Zhaparov was accorded a guard of honour at the Prime Minister’s House. National anthems of both countries were played as he stood alongside Prime Minister Shehbaz. The two leaders introduced their delegations before holding one‑on‑one and delegation‑level talks. Later, the Kyrgyz leader planted a sapling in the PM House lawn, symbolizing friendship and cooperation.

Reaffirming Bilateral Resolve

During a joint press stakeout, Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan reaffirmed their resolve to elevate relations to a higher level by enhancing collaboration in trade, agriculture, defence, culture, connectivity, education, energy, and political domains. Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed confidence that the visit, taking place after two decades, would give fresh impetus to bilateral ties. He noted that since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992, both countries have nurtured a relationship grounded in mutual trust, respect, and shared values.

Signing of Agreements

Earlier, both leaders witnessed the signing of 15 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements across diverse fields. Prime Minister Shehbaz said these would serve as a framework for structured, result‑oriented engagements and closer institutional linkages. He emphasized strengthening people‑to‑people exchanges through cultural initiatives, tourism promotion, and academic partnerships, with events planned in Islamabad, Bishkek, and other cities.

Business Forum and Trade Goals

A Pakistan–Kyrgyzstan Business Forum was scheduled during the visit to chart new pathways for economic cooperation. Prime Minister Shehbaz announced that trade agreements signed at the forum aim to raise bilateral trade volume from US$16 million to US$200 million within two years. He also offered Kyrgyzstan access to Karachi and Gwadar sea ports, reinforcing Pakistan’s role as a gateway to regional and global markets.

Kyrgyz President’s Remarks

President Zhaparov termed Pakistan an important partner in South Asia and praised its dynamic development and ambitious infrastructure projects. He highlighted collaboration in trade, economy, investment, transport, logistics, education, and science, and stressed the importance of the Kyrgyz–Pakistan Business Council as a mechanism to connect business communities. He called for full use of transport and transit potential and underscored the CASA‑1000 energy project as a cornerstone for linking Central and South Asia.

Zhaparov noted that over 12,000 Pakistani students are currently studying in Kyrgyzstan and pledged further facilitation. He also reaffirmed commitment to combat terrorism, extremism, and transnational crime, with stronger coordination between authorities to ensure regional peace and stability.

Invitations and Future Cooperation

President Zhaparov invited Prime Minister Shehbaz to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit and the World Nomad Games in Bishkek in 2026, as well as the Global Mountain Summit “Bishkek Plus 25” in 2027. He also extended an invitation for a state visit to Kyrgyzstan to further strengthen bilateral ties.