Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan on Monday agreed to expand their bilateral relations with particular emphasis on boosting economic ties and jointly combating terrorism. A joint statement, issued on the conclusion of a two-day visit of Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Askar Aitmatov, said the two countries also exchanged views on regional and international issues. Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Askar Aitmatov called on President General Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and held formal talks with his Pakistani counterpart Khurshid M. Kasuri.
The joint statement said the meetings were held in a cordial atmosphere, reflective of mutual friendship and understanding. They agreed to further develop bilateral relations based on principles of sovereign equality, non-interference in internal affairs of each other and recognise norms of international law.
The two sides agreed to hold the second session of the Pak-Kyrgyz JMC in December 2004 in Bishkek to strengthen and enhance trade and economic co-operation between Pakistan and the Kyrgyz Republic.
They also agreed to pursue early implementation of the Quadrilateral Agreement and fully utilise Karakoram Highway to promote bilateral trade, transportation, and transit of goods.
Kyrgyz President Askar Akaev would visit Pakistan in early 2005 to strengthen the institutional underpinning of relations between the two states and sign bilateral agreements during the visit.
The ministries of foreign affairs of the two countries would hold regular political consultations to co-ordinate their positions on issues of mutual interest and promote co-operation at international forums.
The two countries also resolved that effective measures should be taken by their respective departments to jointly combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and also stressed the need for intensifying efforts against drug-trafficking.
They also agreed to continue supporting Afghanistan in the restoration of peace, reconstruction, and return to the fold of world community as a sovereign and peace-loving state to preserve peace and stability in the region.
Kyrgyz foreign minister appreciated President Pervez Musharraf's vision of `enlightened moderation', saying it offered prescription for peace and harmony at the global and Islamic planes.
He also expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and hospitality extended to him and his delegation by Pakistan.
Askar Aitmatov extended an invitation to Khurshid Kasuri for an official visit to the Kyrgyz Republic at a mutually convenient time. The invitation was accepted.
Earlier, Askar Chingizovich Aitmatov called on the Prime Minister here at the PM House.
While talking to Foreign Minister of Kyrgyzstan, Shaukat Aziz said Pakistan considers Central Asia as very important part of the region and hoped strong cultural, religious and social relations would be further promoted.
The Prime Minister said that as Pakistan is located close to warm waters; therefore, Kyrgyzstan can benefit from this short route for its transit trade through China or Afghanistan.
He said strong and stable Afghanistan is good for the region and Pakistan hopes that after the presidential election, peace and tranquillity will prevail there, which would also facilitate the opening of trade routes to Kyrgyzstan.
The possibility of using trucking route, which passes through China, also came under discussion.
The Prime Minister said both the countries could develop people-to-people contact through cultural exchanges and student scholarships.
He said Gwadar Port is being developed into an international port with huge investment from China.
He said the road network is being completed with the assistance of Asian Development Bank, which will connect Central Asian Republics with this port and would generate massive economic activities in the region.
The Prime Minister said goods produced in Pakistan are of good quality and internationally compatible, which could be exported to Kyrgyzstan at much cheaper transportation rates.
"Our private sector is expanding and we would welcome Kyrgyzstan private sector and entrepreneurs to visit Pakistan for better interaction," he added.
The possibility of exporting power from Kyrgyzstan also came under discussion.
Both sides agreed that in the next Joint Economic Commission, matters pertaining to opening of banks, resuming flights from Karachi and exchange of private sector delegations would be discussed.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan has always sought to contribute to global efforts on containing terrorism and extremism and, since 9/11, it has played major role in fighting terrorism and would continue to do so in future.
He said, "We strive for peace and want to settle our disputes with neighbours peacefully," and added that composite dialogue process with India is progressing satisfactorily.
The Prime Minister said Kyrgyzstan is an important player of the ECO and Pakistan can bring the ECO countries closer to Saarc forum to further increase the regional trade.
The Kyrgyzstan foreign minister said his country is committed to take cordial relationship forward in the bilateral framework and further consolidate the existing ties,
He said Kyrgyzstan would contribute towards re-building Afghanistan.
"We will extend full co-operation to Pakistan in fighting terrorism and extremism in the region," he added.