Bishkek (TDI): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed Pakistan’s resolve to increase bilateral trade with Kyrgyzstan to $200 million annually within the next two years, saying the current trade volume does not reflect the strong relations between the two countries.
Addressing a joint press conference with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov at the presidential palace in Bishkek, the prime minister said bilateral trade currently stands at around $16 million.
He said Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan had agreed to expand cooperation in education, science and technology, culture and other areas, with greater focus on strengthening trade and business ties.
Prime Minister Shehbaz said both sides would encourage their private sectors to play a greater role in expanding commercial relations. He also welcomed the transit trade agreement, saying it would help facilitate the movement of goods between the two countries.
He said the decision to establish a sister-city relationship between Lahore and Osh would further strengthen cultural and people-to-people ties.
Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan also agreed to cooperate in countering terrorism and extremism and to work together on climate change, the prime minister said.
Prime Minister Shehbaz congratulated the leadership and people of Kyrgyzstan on their Independence Day and thanked President Japarov for his hospitality.
Read More: Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan Pledge to Deepen Economic and Regional Cooperation
He also congratulated Kyrgyzstan on its election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and praised its successful hosting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz and President Japarov witnessed the signing of a series of agreements and memorandums of understanding aimed at expanding cooperation in trade, security, education, technology, environment and other sectors.
The two sides signed a joint statement covering the outcome and objectives of the prime minister’s three-day visit. Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan also agreed on a diplomatic program of cooperation between their foreign ministries for 2026-27 and signed an MoU between the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad and Kyrgyzstan’s National Institute for Strategic Initiatives to promote research collaboration.
Agreements were also signed on transit trade, science and technology cooperation and extradition, while the two countries finalized a draft agreement on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters.
The interior ministries of Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan signed an MoU to cooperate against the illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursor chemicals.
Cooperation in education and medical training was also expanded through agreements involving the two countries’ education and health authorities.
Read More: Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan Vow to Boost Trade and Strengthen Regional Links
The two sides further signed an MoU to strengthen cooperation on environment and climate change, while the National Defense University Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan’s National Institute for Strategic Initiatives agreed to enhance academic research and joint activities.
Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan also signed an MoU on cooperation in virtual assets and blockchain technologies. The two countries formally established a sister-city relationship between Lahore and Osh, while Pakistan Post and Kyrgyz Post signed an agreement to expand cooperation in postal services and e-commerce.
The chambers of commerce of the two countries also agreed to strengthen business-to-business cooperation and promote bilateral trade and investment.
