ISLAMABAD (special crosspondent) – Pakistan and the Kyrgyz Republic have agreed to significantly enhance cooperation across a wide spectrum of sectors, including security, connectivity, energy, trade, tourism, and combating irregular migration and terrorism. The agreement was formalized during an official visit by Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari to the Kyrgyz Republic from 6-9 July 2026, culminating in the signing of a Joint Statement in Cholpon-Ata on July 7, 2026.

Bilateral Relations and Strategic Partnership

Presidents Asif Ali Zardari and Sadyr Japarov held constructive talks, noting the steady development of Kyrgyz-Pakistani relations and reaffirming their commitment to a strategic partnership. They emphasized the importance of consistent implementation of previous agreements, particularly those reached during President Japarov’s visit to Pakistan in December 2025. Both leaders stressed the need for sustained political dialogue, high-level contacts, and strengthened parliamentary and governmental interaction.

Economic and Trade Cooperation

The two nations highlighted the considerable potential for deepening trade, economic, and investment cooperation. Governments and relevant agencies have been instructed to intensify joint efforts, implement existing agreements, and take practical measures to foster trade and investment. This includes enhancing inter-agency cooperation mechanisms and improving the effectiveness of the Kyrgyz-Pakistani Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation. Both sides also pledged to support direct engagement between their business communities, including chambers of commerce, investment promotion agencies, and financial institutions, to encourage joint projects and ventures. Specific areas identified for expanded cooperation include mining, agriculture, textiles, the halal industry, healthcare (particularly medical education and pharmaceutical manufacturing), the digital economy, information and communication technologies, tourism, and the banking sector. Cooperation in facilitating trade through regulatory harmonization, especially in the halal sector, was also agreed upon.

Connectivity and Infrastructure Development

Recognizing the strategic importance of transport connectivity, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to practical implementation of agreements in transport, logistics, and transit. This includes leveraging Pakistan’s seaports, developing multimodal transport, promoting international transport corridors between Central and South Asia, and utilizing the transit potential of the Kyrgyz Republic to access markets in Central Asia and the Eurasian Economic Union. Measures to increase cargo transportation volumes and ensure the sustainable operation of transport routes were also discussed. The CASA-1000 Project was specifically noted as a vital link for energy connectivity.

Education, Youth, Culture, and Security

Mutual interest in further developing cooperation in education, science, culture, tourism, and youth exchanges was reaffirmed. Collaboration in medical education, public health, and professional regulatory matters will be strengthened to enhance people-to-people contacts. In the security domain, both countries committed to strengthening cooperation between their competent authorities to combat terrorism, extremism, illicit drug trafficking, organized crime, irregular migration, and cybercrime. Both leaders condemned terrorist attacks and stressed that regional peace and stability are crucial for progress and prosperity, agreeing to work together at international forums like the UN, SCO, and OIC.

International Fora and Diplomatic Engagements

Pakistan and the Kyrgyz Republic underscored the importance of coordination and mutual support within the United Nations, SCO, OIC, ECO, and other regional organizations. Pakistan expressed support for the Kyrgyz Republic’s priorities during its SCO Chairmanship and highlighted the need for continued coordination during Pakistan’s upcoming Chairmanship of the SCO and ECO. Both leaders noted that unilateral economic sanctions are contrary to international law and hinder global development goals. The Kyrgyz Republic expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s support for its non-permanent UNSC membership bid, and Pakistan congratulated the Kyrgyz Republic on its election, reaffirming cooperation within the UN framework. Pakistan’s contributions to international peace and security as a non-permanent UNSC member were commended by the Kyrgyz Republic, particularly the adoption of UN Security Council Resolutions 2788 and 2823. Pakistan welcomed the UN General Assembly Resolution 80/261 initiated by the Kyrgyz Republic. The Kyrgyz Republic commended Pakistan’s mediation efforts in the Middle East, welcoming the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Both sides emphasized the peaceful settlement of all disputes in line with the UN Charter. Pakistan expressed support for Kyrgyz initiatives on the mountain agenda and climate change, including the Second Global Mountain Summit in 2027. The Kyrgyz Republic invited Pakistan to the VI World Nomad Games, which Pakistan gratefully accepted.

Conclusion of the Visit

Both Presidents expressed confidence that President Zardari’s visit would further strengthen bilateral relations, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, and contribute to the prosperity of both nations. President Zardari expressed his sincere appreciation for the hospitality extended and extended an invitation to President Japarov to visit Pakistan at a mutually convenient time, which was accepted.