Islamabad: Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan have pledged to enhance their bilateral economic cooperation, emphasizing the early finalization of a Transit Trade Agreement to achieve a bilateral trade target of $100 million. This mutual understanding was reached during a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Zheenbek Kulubaev in Islamabad.

According to Radio Pakistan, the discussions reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, including political, economic, energy, connectivity, cultural, and educational cooperation, in line with the upcoming visit of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov to Pakistan. Both sides examined various bilateral agreements that are expected to be signed during the presidential visit.

The two nations agreed to hold regular meetings of the Pak-Kyrgyz Bilateral Political Consultations and the Bilateral Inter-governmental Commission to fully realize the potential of their bilateral relationship. They expressed satisfaction with the convening of a business forum on the sidelines of the visit, reiterating their shared vision for the timely and effective implementation of the CASA-1000 project.

Additionally, Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan underscored the importance of secure, sustainable, and diversified connectivity routes to enhance bilateral and regional trade. They also agreed to continue collaborating closely in international forums such as the UN, SCO, OIC, and ECO for the peace, security, progress, and prosperity of the region.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar expressed appreciation for Kyrgyzstan’s hospitality towards Pakistani students and workers and agreed to enhance cooperation in the people-to-people sphere. He highlighted the threats to peace and security in South Asia, emphasizing the importance of restraint and responsible conduct by regional countries.

Dar also addressed the need for a peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions, underlining its importance for lasting peace in South Asia. He advocated for dialogue and diplomacy to counter terrorism and prevent the use of Afghan territory against Pakistan and other nations. Furthermore, Dar reiterated Pakistan’s desire for a stable and regionally connected Afghanistan, at peace with itself and its neighbors.