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Pakistan's Premier Multilingual News Agency

Foreign Ministers of Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan discuss several matters

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Bishkek, 15 December 2021 (GNP/ TDI): On December 14, 2021, at the initiative of the Pakistani side, a telephonic conversation took place between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic Mr. Ruslan A. Kazakbaev, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi. To discuss several matters like the relations of Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan

PHONE CALL BETWEEN THE MINISTERS

During the talks, the sides discussed the state of bilateral Kyrgyz-Pakistani relations. Qureshi and Kazakbaev expressed readiness to develop cooperation in political, trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian spheres, as well as other areas of interest.

The parties also exchanged views on the current socio-economic and humanitarian situation in Afghanistan. Kazakbayev then noted that the issue of assistance provision to Afghans is more important than ever.

Kazakbayev stressed that to prevent further escalation of the humanitarian crisis; it is necessary to build reliable contacts within the Afghan government. That contact is to provide financial and humanitarian assistance to the Afghans.

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Qureshi noted the role of Muslim countries in the provision of humanitarian assistance to achieve peace and stability in Afghanistan. Qureshi also expressed hope regarding the humanitarian assistance that the upcoming extraordinary meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Islamabad; will have a positive contribution to the cause for the members of the organization.

That meeting of the Organization will be on 19 December. Kazakbayev reaffirmed that Kyrgyzstan is ready to support all international initiatives towards Afghanistan. Those initiatives have the aim of achieving prosperity, and well-being in Afghanistan.

According to Kazakbayev, noted that achieving stability in Afghanistan is key to achieving it in the region. Qureshi and Kazakbayev exchanged invitations to conduct mutual visits at a convenient time for both of them.

PAKISTAN AND KYRGYZSTAN RELATIONS 

Pakistan recognized the independence of Kyrgyzstan nearly at the end of 1991. In 1992, both countries established diplomatic relations. Then in 1995, Pakistan established its diplomatic mission in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. Moreover, both countries also signed a Bilateral Investment Treaty.

They also share cultural, religious, and economic ties considered historical, as they date back centuries. That is because Zahir-Uddin Babur, who was the founder of the Moghul Empire and dynasty, was born in the Fergana Valley.

FERGANA VALLEY AND ECONOMIC COOPERATION

Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan share the Fergana Valley. Babur built a Mosque in the Suleiman Mountain in the city of Osh, Kyrgyzstan, which is a popular attraction. The establishment of the State Bank of Pakistan branch in Bishkek is an example of its efforts to strengthen economic and trade ties.

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor presents a great opportunity for the Central Asian states to import and export goods through Pakistani seaports. On the other side, Kyrgyzstan is a valuable member of the Quadrilateral Traffic in Transit Agreement (QTTA).

The QTTA has the objective of giving access to China and the Central Asian states to their ports. In 2020, the trade volume was $4 million. Both countries have signed more than 35 Memorandums of Understanding, and joint documents.

Then regarding energy, both countries are members of CASA-1000, alongside Tajikistan and Afghanistan. Although Afghanistan abandoned it.

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION BETWEEN BOTH COUNTRIES

Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan support and collaborate in several international organizations like OIC, UN, ECO, SCO, and others. In 2019, on the sidelines of the SCO convention that was in Bishkek, both countries agreed to boost their bilateral trade to $10 million.

MILITARY COOPERATION AND EDUCATION

Kyrgyzstan has sent military officers and personnel to Pakistan to train them in different aspects; like counter-terrorism, English, and peacekeeping activities. On the education side, Kyrgyzstan is very popular among medical students.

In 2020, around 1000 Pakistanis enrolled in Kyrgyzstan Universities for their medical degrees. There are more than 50 public and private universities that provide a wide range of courses in Kyrgyzstan. Also, thousands of international medical students chose Kyrgyzstan for their higher studies.

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