Pakistan Ready to Open Seaports and Markets for Kyrgyzstan: PM Shehbaz

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Thursday that Pakistan is ready to provide Kyrgyzstan access to regional and global markets through its major seaports. He made the statement during a joint press briefing with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov, who is visiting Pakistan for the first time in 20 years.

The prime minister said Pakistan could facilitate Kyrgyz trade through the ports of Karachi, Port Qasim, and Gwadar. He described the move as part of broader efforts to strengthen bilateral and regional connectivity. Sharif said the meeting focused on a wide range of issues including politics, commerce, energy, agriculture, education, defence, and culture.

A Pakistan-Kyrgyz business forum was also scheduled on Thursday, expected to generate commitments worth $200 million. Sharif highlighted that bilateral trade had fallen sharply from $11.2 million in 2022–23 to just over $5 million in 2024–25, and pledged to raise it to $200 million within two years.

Sharif welcomed Zhaparov, calling him a guest in his “second home.” He said it was unacceptable that a Kyrgyz president had not visited Pakistan for two decades. He emphasized historical connections, trade links, cultural exchanges, and shared religious traditions between the two countries.

Both leaders discussed expanding people-to-people exchanges, including cultural events, tourism, and university partnerships. Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan will also host cultural festivals in their capitals to strengthen public engagement.

Earlier, a formal welcome ceremony was held at Prime Minister House, where Zhaparov received a guard of honour. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Field Marshal Asim Munir were also present.

Multiple MoUs Signed

The two countries signed 15 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) covering commerce, energy, health, and other areas. Sharif and Zhaparov also signed a joint statement committing to comprehensive cooperation. The agreements will provide a structured platform for long-term collaboration.

Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met Zhaparov and reaffirmed Pakistan’s intent to deepen relations at the highest political level. Dar also briefed the Kyrgyz president on meetings with Pakistani leadership and business communities to expand economic cooperation.

Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan are also working together in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), a regional bloc including China, Russia, India, and Iran. Both leaders highlighted the SCO’s role in regional security, economic connectivity, and political consultation.