Bishkek : Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan have agreed to step up efforts to strengthen economic ties and expand cooperation across multiple areas.
The understanding was reached during a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Nurgozhoevich Japarov in Bishkek.
Speaking at a joint press conference with President Japarov, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said both countries would prepare a comprehensive roadmap aimed at progressively increasing bilateral trade to $200 million.
He said the proposed plan would focus on simplifying trade processes, promoting investment partnerships, developing industrial cooperation and creating greater opportunities for businesses from both countries to engage directly.
The prime minister stressed the need for stronger links between Pakistani and Kyrgyz businesses as well as financial institutions, saying such cooperation would be vital to translating the two countries’ economic ambitions into tangible results.
PM Shehbaz said stronger regional connectivity was essential for integrating the economies of South and Central Asia.
He welcomed the recently concluded transit trade agreement, noting that it would improve the transportation of goods, strengthen logistics networks and open up additional avenues for regional commerce.
Energy cooperation was also highlighted as a key area of the bilateral partnership.
The prime minister said both Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan had reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that the CASA-1000 project moves forward according to schedule.
He also welcomed the establishment of a joint energy working group, which would explore concrete opportunities for cooperation in areas including electricity, hydropower, renewable energy, energy infrastructure and emerging technologies.
PM Shehbaz expressed satisfaction over the expanding partnership between Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan in education, science and technology, healthcare, culture and tourism.
He also welcomed the agreement to establish sister-city relations between Lahore and Osh, describing it as another avenue for closer cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.
Security and defence cooperation also featured prominently during the talks.
According to PM Shehbaz, both sides reaffirmed their resolve to work together against terrorism, extremism and other evolving security challenges.
The two countries also agreed to intensify cooperation in protecting the environment and addressing the growing impact of climate change.
Prime Minister Shehbaz said Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan shared the belief that stronger multilateral cooperation was necessary to address major global challenges while supporting international peace and stability.
He added that both countries would continue coordinating their positions and cooperating through the United Nations and other international forums.
PM Shehbaz described Kyrgyzstan as an important and trusted partner for Pakistan in Central Asia.
