Muhammad Amanullah — September 3, 2026
Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan have agreed to increase bilateral trade to $2 billion, explore investment opportunities and further strengthen cooperation across various sectors, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said.
Speaking during a joint press conference in Kyrgyzstan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the signing of several agreements and memorandums of understanding between the two countries, describing the transit trade agreement as a positive development.
He said both countries would work to simplify laws and regulations to facilitate trade and investment and help increase the volume of bilateral commerce.
A ceremony for the signing and exchange of agreements and memorandums of understanding was held in Kyrgyzstan in the presence of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov.
Cooperation Across Multiple Sectors
During the ceremony, Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan exchanged a document concerning a cooperation programme between their foreign ministries.
A memorandum of understanding was also exchanged between the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad and the Kyrgyz National Institute for Strategic Initiatives.
The two countries also exchanged an agreement on transit trade and an MoU aimed at strengthening cooperation in the education sector.
Cooperation Against Drug Trafficking
Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan agreed to enhance cooperation to prevent the trafficking and smuggling of narcotics and other addictive substances.
An MoU was exchanged between the relevant institutions of the two countries to strengthen efforts in this area.
The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council and Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Health also agreed on an MoU to promote cooperation in medical education.
Cooperation in Science and Technology
Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan also signed an agreement on scientific and technical cooperation.
An MoU was exchanged to strengthen collaboration in the fields of environment and climate change, while the two countries’ chambers of commerce agreed to cooperate in promoting bilateral trade.
The two sides also reached an understanding to enhance cooperation in the virtual assets sector.
Lahore and Osh to Become Twin Cities
An agreement was signed to declare Lahore, Pakistan, and Osh, Kyrgyzstan, twin cities.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening cultural ties and people-to-people contacts between the two cities.
An MoU was also signed between the National Defence University Islamabad and the Kyrgyz National Institute for Strategic Initiatives to promote cooperation in research.
The postal departments of Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan agreed to cooperate in postal services and e-commerce, while the two countries also reached an agreement concerning the extradition of accused persons.
Pakistan Seeks to Raise Trade to $2 Billion
Addressing the joint press conference, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked President Sadyr Japarov for the hospitality extended to him and his delegation.
He also congratulated the leadership and people of Kyrgyzstan on the country’s Independence Day.
The prime minister described Kyrgyzstan’s election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council as an important achievement and congratulated the Kyrgyz leadership on the successful hosting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit.
Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan wanted to further expand its fraternal relations with Kyrgyzstan, adding that the signing of various agreements marked a new beginning in bilateral cooperation.
He said the promotion of trade relations had received particular attention during the talks and that Pakistan wanted to increase bilateral trade with Kyrgyzstan to $2 billion.
Agreement to Simplify Trade Regulations
The prime minister said the governments and private sectors of both countries would play a role in expanding commercial ties.
He described the Pakistan-Kyrgyzstan transit trade agreement as a welcome development and said both countries had agreed to simplify laws and regulations to make trade and investment opportunities easier for businesses.
Shehbaz Sharif also welcomed the establishment of a joint ministerial group to advance the CASA-1000 energy project.
Education and Cultural Cooperation
The prime minister said Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan would further expand cooperation in education, science and technology, and culture.
He said declaring Lahore and Osh twin cities would help strengthen cultural relations and people-to-people contacts between the two countries.
Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan would work together against terrorism and extremism and had also reached consensus on addressing the challenges posed by climate change.
He added that cooperation between the two countries would be further strengthened at bilateral, regional and international forums.
The prime minister described Kyrgyzstan as an important partner for Pakistan in Central Asia.
Shehbaz Sharif also invited President Sadyr Japarov to visit Pakistan and expressed hope that relations between the two countries would reach new heights in the coming days.
Kyrgyz President Calls for Greater Bilateral Cooperation
Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov welcomed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his delegation, saying Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan enjoyed fraternal relations and both countries were keen to further expand bilateral cooperation.
He said there were extensive investment opportunities between Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan and stressed the need to further strengthen high-level contacts between the two countries.
President Japarov said Kyrgyzstan wanted to take its relations with Pakistan to new heights and would work to create additional opportunities for cooperation in various sectors.
Prime Minister Receives Warm Welcome at Presidential Palace
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived at the Kyrgyz presidential palace, where an official reception was held in his honour.
He received a red-carpet welcome upon arrival, with President Sadyr Japarov warmly receiving the Pakistani prime minister.
The national anthems of Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan were played and a guard of honour was presented to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
During their meeting, the two leaders discussed bilateral relations and cooperation in trade, investment, energy, education, defence and regional affairs, along with other matters of mutual interest.
