President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov on 7 July held talks with the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari.
During the meeting, the leaders conducted a thorough exchange of views on a wide range of issues of bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
Sadyr Zhaparov, welcoming the distinguished guest, recalled the negotiations that took place during his state visit to Islamabad in December last year.
The head of state emphasised that those meetings opened a new page in Kyrgyz-Pakistani relations, laying a solid foundation for strengthening mutual political trust and activating bilateral cooperation.
Relying on centuries old bonds of friendship and mutual respect, the president confirmed that Kyrgyzstan views Pakistan as a reliable and priority partner in South Asia.
"I am confident that today's meeting will give new substance to our cooperation and will become a good opportunity for strengthening political dialogue, as well as bringing trade and economic ties to a qualitatively new level," Sadyr Zhaparov said.
In this context, he emphasised the importance of regularly holding business forums, exhibitions, and B2B meetings, and also confirmed the readiness of Kyrgyzstan to implement joint projects with Pakistan in the fields of the halal industry, agricultural product processing, logistics, tourism, energy, and industry.
In his turn, Asif Ali Zardari expressed interest in the further expansion of bilateral cooperation, noting the presence of significant potential for the development of interaction in the trade, economic, investment, and humanitarian spheres.
He also congratulated President Sadyr Zhaparov on the successful election of Kyrgyzstan as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. It was especially emphasised that the new status will allow the country to effectively contribute to the processes of ensuring universal peace and security on the international arena.
Asif Ali Zardari emphasised the readiness for close interaction with Kyrgyzstan and noted that relations between the countries are based on a solid foundation of common historical and cultural ties.
"Geographical proximity and common heritage on the continent historically brought the two peoples closer, and today there are no obstacles to the further strengthening and deepening of our partnership," the President of Pakistan said.
At the conclusion of the negotiations, the leaders confirmed mutual readiness to maintain regular political dialogue and activate contacts at all levels.
As a practical step to consolidate these intentions, the parties consolidated the results of the negotiations by signing a Joint Statement, which will lay the basis for establishing a strategic partnership and defined key guidelines for deepening trade, economic, and investment interaction.
Reported by Kabar (Kyrgyzstan).
