BISHKEK(The COW News Digital)Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan signed several landmark bilateral agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in Bishkek to deepen economic ties, bolster counter-terrorism operations, and accelerate digital sector collaboration.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov witnessed the exchange of documents following high-level bilateral talks held on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. The leaders outlined a comprehensive roadmap to boost annual bilateral trade from the current $16 million to $200 million over the coming years.
- Transit Trade & Logistics: Signing of a formal Transit Trade Agreement aimed at turning both nations into vital transport hubs connecting Central and South Asia, while facilitating Kyrgyz trade through Pakistan’s southern seaports.
- Energy Integration: Formation of a Joint Working Group on Energy to expedite the completion of the regional CASA-1000 electricity transmission grid and expand clean energy infrastructure.
- Counter-Terrorism & Security: A mutual pledge to strengthen defense mechanisms, battle illicit drug trafficking, eliminate cross-border terrorism, and implement full legal cooperation via an extradition treaty.
- Technology & Digital Markets: Institutional collaboration in virtual assets, science, environmental technical coordination, and e-commerce linkage between Pakistan Post and OJSC Kyrgyz Post.
- Cultural & Civic Links: The establishment of sister-city relations between historical urban centers Lahore and Osh to elevate cultural diplomacy and tourism.
Addressing a joint press stakeout, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted that streamlined regulatory frameworks, active private-sector participation, and enhanced transit routes will unlock the true economic potential of both friendly nations.
The bilateral breakthrough marks a pivotal step in Pakistan’s broader vision of securing seamless regional connectivity across Eurasia.
