ISLAMABAD: Pakistan aims to boost bilateral trade with Kyrgyzstan to $200 million by 2027–28, reaffirming its commitment to deepening economic and strategic ties, Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said on Friday.

Speaking at the weekly media briefing, Andrabi highlighted the ongoing two-day official visit of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Nurgojo uulu Japarov to Pakistan.

During his visit, President Japarov held meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, according to a statement issued by the Foreign Office.

“Both states emphasized the significance of expanding and deepening Pakistan–Kyrgyz relations, underpinned by historic links, cultural similarities, shared values, and a common vision for regional peace and prosperity,” he said.

The officials reviewed progress on existing cooperation frameworks and “reaffirmed their shared resolve to further strengthen this partnership, particularly in trade, energy, connectivity, and people-to-people contact,” Andrabi added.

A key outcome of the talks was the agreement to operationalize the road corridor between Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan under the Quadrilateral Traffic in Transit Agreement (QTTA), aimed at enhancing economic cooperation, trade, and investment.

“Both countries have set a target of $200 million in bilateral trade by 2027–28,” the spokesperson said, highlighting efforts to expand commerce, energy, and regional connectivity.

Commitment to Afghanistan’s stability

The two sides also reaffirmed their commitment to a peaceful and stable Afghanistan. “The Afghan Taliban regime must honor its commitments to the international community and address Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns by taking concrete and verifiable actions against terrorist entities,” he added.

Agreements and MoUs

The delegation-level talks concluded with the signing of 15 agreements and Memorandums of Understanding covering commerce, mining and geosciences, regional connectivity, energy, agriculture, diplomatic and consular affairs, tourism, information, and youth and sports.

Both countries also endorsed a Joint Statement of Comprehensive Cooperation in the interest of Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan.

On Arunachal Pradesh

When asked about Arunachal Pradesh, Andrabi reiterated Pakistan’s longstanding support for China on matters concerning its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

MOU

Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan target $200 million trade by 2027–28: Foreign Office