Islamabad, 7 December 2021 (TDI): Kyrgyzstan is interested to join CPEC and benefit from the tremendous trade opportunities from Gwadar Port. The Ambassador of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan to Pakistan, Ulanbek Totuiaev, remarked that during a Seminar on ” Business, Education and Tourism Opportunities in Kyrgyzstan” organized by The Diplomatic Insight, Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies, Riphah Institute of Public Policy, Riphah International University, Islamabad.
AMBASSADORS REMARKSÂ
Ambassador has highlighted the strong ties between Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan that are traditionally characterized as fraternal and friendly. Moreover, the relations between the two countries have been marked by active mutual contacts and bilateral events.
PAKISTAN-KYRGYZSTAN BILATERAL RELATIONS
He further added that Pakistan was among the first to recognize the independence of the Kyrgyz Republic. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, our countries enjoy excellent political relations and regularly exchange visits on the highest levels.
During the last 30 years, Kyrgyz Prime Ministers visited Pakistan twice, Pakistani Prime Ministers came to Kyrgyzstan four times and Speakers of the Kyrgyz parliament visited Pakistan twice.
VISIT OF THE KYRGYZ FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER AND 30TH ANNIVERSARY
In this context, it is also important to note that on December 15, Kyrgyz Foreign Minister, Ruslan Kazakbaev will arrive in Islamabad to participate in the Extraordinary Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers on December 16-17.
Ambassador also highlighted that Kyrgyzstan is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its independence this year. According to the Ambassador during the last 30 years; Kyrgyzstan is steadily and peacefully developed on the way to democracy and freedom.
POLITICAL CHANGES
Currently, Kyrgyzstan is passing through an important period of political changes. Presidential elections held in January, this year, resulted in the victory of former Prime Minister Sadyr Zhaparov, who become a new head of state. After a referendum in April, Kyrgyzstan adopted the new constitution, establishing a presidential system of governance.
EDUCATION IN KYRGYZSTAN
About education, Ambassador said in his remarks that in the last 30 years, that Kyrgyzstan develops higher education very quickly. Kyrgyzstan only had 12 universities before independence in 1991, and now there are about 50.
Those Universities are the American University in Central Asia, Aga Khan’s University of Central Asia, two Turkish Universities. Kyrgyzstan also has the Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Academy, Kyrgyz-Russian Slavonic University, and others.
The Ambassador also highlighted that another important area of bilateral cooperation in tourism. This year New York Times readers included both Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan in the list of best countries to visit.  Mountains cover more than 90% of the territory of my country. The highest mountain peaks of the world after the Himalayas and Pamir are located in Kyrgyzstan.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR REGIONAL TRADE AND ECONOMIC COOPERATION
Ambassador also highlighted that the geostrategic position of Kyrgyzstan at the crossroads between Central Asia and China; and also the further through the Karakorum Pass to Pakistan opens up excellent opportunities for regional trade and economic cooperation, as well as establishing ties in all areas of mutual interest.
Nowadays bilateral trade and economic cooperation are currently low and do not correspond to the potential of the two countries. The existing volume of trade is about only $7 mln. and Pakistan’s investment in Kyrgyzstan is about $3-5 mln.
During his speech, the Ambassador shared with the audience that the country is a dynamically developing diversified economy. He also mentioned that the country represents widely foreign investors, including from Pakistan.
He further highlighted that Investing in the Kyrgyz Republic is profitable and easy. According to the Ambassador, the main factors are the liberal trade regime, full protection of investments, and unlimited repatriation of profits, as well as currency exchange freedom, low business costs, an educated workforce, and direct access to state authorities.
REMARKS FROM THE DIPLOMATIC INSIGHT GROUP AND THE RIPHAH INSTITUTE
Ms. Farhat Asif, Founder Chairperson Diplomatic Insight Group shared her remarks on the aims and objectives of BET series seminars along with the institutional profiles of The Diplomatic Insight and Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies.
Dr. Rashid Aftab, Director, Riphah Institute of Public Policy spoke on the occasion. A large number of students, faculty members, media representatives were present on the occasion.
