Pakistan is ready to serve as a gateway to regional and global markets for Kyrgyzstan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said during a joint press interaction with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov on Thursday. The statement underscores Pakistan’s growing role in South Asian trade and connectivity.

PM Shehbaz described his talks with President Zhaparov as highly fruitful, highlighting a detailed exchange of views on bilateral relations, regional developments, and global issues. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen cooperation across key sectors, including political collaboration, trade, connectivity, energy, agriculture, education, defence, and cultural initiatives.

“Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan share links that are not just historic but timeless,” PM Shehbaz said. “Our relationship is built on mutual trust, respect, and shared aspirations since the establishment of diplomatic ties.”

The leaders marked the occasion by signing fifteen memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and agreements, which will provide a framework for structured and result-oriented collaboration. One of the key agreements aims to boost trade between the two countries from $15 million to $200 million within the next two years.

“Strengthening people-to-people exchanges through cultural programs, tourism, and academic partnerships was also a key focus of our discussions,” PM Shehbaz added. Both countries have agreed to organize cultural events in each other’s nations, further cementing friendship and brotherhood.

President Zhaparov acknowledged Pakistan as an important partner in South Asia. He arrived in Islamabad on Wednesday for a historic two-day state visit – the first by a Kyrgyz head of state in two decades – and was warmly received by President Asif Zardari and PM Shehbaz at Nur Khan Airbase.

During the official reception at the PM House, the Kyrgyz president was accorded a full guard of honour by a contingent of the three services of the Pakistan armed forces. The national anthems of both countries were played, and President Zhaparov planted a sapling in the PM House lawn as a symbol of growing ties.