Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan signed 15 wide-ranging agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) on Thursday during Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov’s first official visit to Pakistan in two decades.
The ceremony, attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, marked an important step toward strengthening diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties between the two countries.President Zhaparov received a Guard of Honour at the Prime Minister House, where he was warmly welcomed by Prime Minister Sharif.
Both leaders introduced their delegations and expressed their commitment to expanding cooperation. The Kyrgyz president also planted a sapling on the premises and offered prayers, symbolizing the start of a renewed partnership.
Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan exchanged a comprehensive set of agreements aimed at enhancing collaboration across numerous sectors. These included MoUs between Pakistan’s Foreign Services Academy and Kyrgyzstan’s Diplomatic Academy; MoUs between the Ministry of Commerce (Pakistan) and the Ministry of Economy (Kyrgyzstan); and agreements on mining and geosciences, tourism, energy cooperation, use of Pakistani ports, agricultural collaboration, and electronic data exchange between customs authorities.
An agreement on the exchange of convicted prisoners was also signed. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and the Kyrgyz foreign minister exchanged the official documents.Prime Minister Sharif and President Zhaparov issued a joint declaration reaffirming their resolve to strengthen bilateral relations.
Sharif highlighted that ties between the two countries have grown steadily since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992 and described the visit as essential for charting new avenues of cooperation. Discussions also touched on regional issues, global challenges, and shared interests.
President Zhaparov thanked Pakistan for its warm hospitality, calling it a reliable friend and an important South Asian partner. He emphasized the countries’ shared positions on global matters and their mutual commitment to combating terrorism. He also stressed the need to boost cooperation in communications, trade, and transport, and highlighted the significance of advancing regional projects such as CASA-1000.
Zhaparov noted that 12,000 Pakistani students are currently studying in Kyrgyzstan and invited Prime Minister Sharif to visit his country.Both sides expressed confidence that the agreements—covering energy, mining, ports, agriculture, tourism, commerce, and education—will significantly deepen bilateral cooperation.
Prime Minister Sharif said the accords reflect a shared vision for regional stability, economic development, and expanded global cooperation.
