Bishkek (GNP): President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to Kyrgyzstan’s historical heritage during his official visit to the country and held talks with the Speaker of the Kyrgyz Parliament, aimed at building on longstanding political goodwill through stronger economic and legislative cooperation.
The president visited the Ata Beit Memorial Complex in Chong-Tash — a site whose name translates to “Grave of our Fathers” and which serves as the resting place for several of Kyrgyzstan’s national figures. There, he laid a wreath at the central monument in honor of Kyrgyz citizens who lost their lives across various historical periods, including the country’s struggle for independence. He also toured the Ata-Beit Memorial Museum, viewing exhibits documenting Kyrgyzstan’s path to statehood, including a section commemorating acclaimed Kyrgyz author Chingiz Aitmatov, who is also buried at the site.
Prior to this leg of the visit, President Zardari was seen off by Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov at Issyk-Kul Airport in Tamchy. Upon landing at Manas International Airport in Bishkek, he was greeted by Kyrgyz Parliament Speaker Mamataliev Marlen Abdyrakhmanovich along with Pakistan’s Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, Altamash Wazir Khan. The Speaker later held a formal meeting with President Zardari, accompanied by several senior members of the Kyrgyz Parliament.
Discussions on Parliamentary and Economic Cooperation
During the meeting, both sides discussed avenues for strengthening parliamentary ties, boosting trade, and expanding people-to-people connections. President Zardari emphasized that strong inter-parliamentary engagement plays a key role in sustaining the broader bilateral relationship.
He pointed to the active Pakistan-Kyrgyzstan Parliamentary Friendship Group within Pakistan’s National Assembly and recalled that during President Japarov’s 2025 visit to Islamabad, both the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Senate Chairman met with him — a gesture he said reflected the importance both countries place on continued legislative dialogue.
Zardari reaffirmed that Pakistan values its close and fraternal relationship with Kyrgyzstan, rooted in shared faith, historical ties, cultural closeness, and mutual goodwill. He also congratulated Kyrgyzstan’s leadership on the country’s recent election to a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2027–2028 term. The two sides additionally reviewed progress on land and air connectivity, bilateral trade, and cooperation involving certification systems and academic pathways for students.
Speaker Mamataliev welcomed the president and expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s lasting friendship with Kyrgyzstan. The meeting was also attended by Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, presidential adviser Dr. Asim Hussain, and other senior Pakistani officials.
Following the meeting, the Kyrgyz Parliament Speaker hosted a dinner in President Zardari’s honor, attended by senior officials from both countries.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
