ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan is a gateway to the Indian Ocean and is ready to give Kyrgyzstan access to regional and global markets through its ports.
He made these remarks during a joint press briefing with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov in Islamabad.
PM Shehbaz called his meeting with the Kyrgyz president “fruitful,” saying both sides held detailed talks on bilateral relations and key regional and international issues.
The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen ties in politics, trade, connectivity, energy, agriculture, education, defence and culture. The reaffirmation came during their official meeting at the Prime Minister’s House.
The prime minister said Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan share ties that are “timeless,” built on trust, respect and shared goals since the start of diplomatic relations.
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He added that the 15 agreements and MoUs signed today will help create a strong framework for structured cooperation in different fields.
PM Shehbaz said another MoU will be signed later in the evening to increase bilateral trade from the current $15 million to $200 million in the next two years.
He also highlighted the need to boost people-to-people contacts through cultural exchanges, tourism and academic partnerships. Both sides agreed to organise cultural events in each other’s countries to further strengthen friendly relations.
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Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov said Pakistan is an important partner for Kyrgyzstan in South Asia.
Earlier, President Zhaparov received a warm welcome at the Prime Minister’s House, where he held a one-on-one meeting and delegation-level talks with PM Shehbaz.
He was presented with a guard of honour by a contingent of the Pakistan armed forces. Both national anthems were played during the ceremony, and the Kyrgyz president also planted a sapling in the PM House lawn.
