Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan to expand ties, fight Terror
By Shiraz Aslam - Pakistan Times Staff Correspondent

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan on Monday agreed to expand their bilateral relations, with particular emphasis on boosting economic ties and to jointly combat terrorism.

A joint statement issued on the conclusion of the two-day visit of the Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Askar Aitmatov said the two countries also exchanged views on regional and international issues.

Askar Aitmatov called on President General Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and held formal talks with Foreign Minister Khurshid M. Kasuri.

The Joint Statement

The joint statement said the meetings were held in a cordial atmosphere reflective of mutual friendship and understanding. They also agreed to further develop bilateral relations based on principles of sovereign equality, non-interference in internal affairs of each other and recognised norms of international law.

The two sides agreed to hold the second session of the Pak- Kyrgyz JMC in December this year in Bishkek to strengthen and enhance trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and the Kyrgyz Republic.

They also agreed to pursue early implementation of the Quadrilateral Agreement and fully utilise Karakorum Highway to promote bilateral trade, transportation and transit of goods.

President of the Kyrgyz Republic Askar Akaev would visit Pakistan early next year to strengthen the institutional underpinning of relations between the two states and will sign bilateral agreements during the visit.

Political Consultations

The ministries of foreign affairs of the two countries would hold regular political consultations to coordinate their positions on issues of mutual interest and promote cooperation at international forums.

The two countries also resolved that effective measures be taken by their respective departments to jointly combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. They also stressed the need to intensify efforts against drug trafficking.

They 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.

The Foreign Minister of Kyrgyz Republic appreciated President Pervez Musharraf’s vision of ‘Enlightened Moderation’ and said it offered prescription for peace and harmony at the global and Islamic planes.

He extended an invitation to Foreign Minister Khurshid M. Kasuri for an official visit to the Kyrgyz Republic at a mutually convenient time. The invitation was accepted.

Meeting with PM

Meanwhile, during the meeting with Aitmatov Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Monday said Pakistan considers Central Asia as very important part of the region and hoped the strong cultural, religious and social relations would be further promoted.

Prime Minister said as Pakistan is located close to the 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 elections, 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.

Bilateral Ties

The Prime Minister said both the countries can 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.

“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.

Kyrgyzstan Foreign Minister Askar Chingizovich Aitmatov said his country is committed to take the 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 cooperation to Pakistan in fighting terrorism and extremism in the region,” he added.●