Kyrgyzstan President Arrives in Islamabad for First-Ever State Visit
By Saeed Yousafzai
Islamabad: Kyrgyzstan’s President Sadyr Nurgozhoevich Zhaparov arrived in Islamabad on Wednesday for a two-day maiden state visit to Pakistan, marking a significant step toward strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the Kyrgyz leader and his high-level delegation upon their arrival at Nur Khan Airbase, Radio Pakistan reported.
A 21-gun salute was presented in honour of the visiting head of state, while children dressed in traditional Pakistani attire greeted him with a bouquet of flowers, reflecting the warmth of Pakistan’s hospitality. President Zhaparov is accompanied by senior cabinet ministers, top officials and leading business figures, highlighting the importance Kyrgyzstan places on enhancing cooperation with Pakistan.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the visit comes on the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The two sides are expected to discuss a wide range of issues aimed at deepening economic, political and cultural cooperation. Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan share longstanding ties rooted in cultural, historical and spiritual connections, and both countries have been working to expand collaboration in various sectors.
The visit is also significant as both Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan are active members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), a key Eurasian security and political bloc comprising China, Russia, India, Iran and other regional partners.
President Zhaparov’s visit is expected to further solidify bilateral relations and open new avenues of cooperation between Islamabad and Bishkek.
The last presidential visit from the Kyrgyz Republic took place in January 2005.
