By Mashal Khan

ISLAMABAD — President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov arrived in Pakistan on Wednesday for a two-day maiden state visit aimed at strengthening political, economic and regional cooperation between the two countries.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received the visiting leader at the Nur Khan Air Base, where he landed along with a high-level delegation comprising senior cabinet ministers, top officials and business leaders.

Japarov is visiting Pakistan from 3–4 December at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. His trip marks the first presidential visit from Kyrgyzstan in nearly two decades — the last such visit took place in January 2005 — underscoring what officials describe as a renewed phase of engagement between Islamabad and Bishkek.

During the visit, President Japarov is scheduled to meet President Zardari for a tête-à-tête, followed by delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The two sides will review the full spectrum of bilateral relations, with a strong focus on expanding cooperation in trade, energy, defence, education, and regional connectivity.

The Kyrgyz President will also address the Pakistan-Kyrgyzstan Business Forum, where business leaders from both countries are expected to discuss new opportunities for investment, transport linkages, and economic partnerships. Islamabad hopes the event will help unlock trade potential between the two countries, which currently remains far below capacity.

Officials say both sides will explore enhanced collaboration in people-to-people exchanges, tourism, and academic partnerships as part of broader efforts to deepen cultural and humanitarian ties.

Pakistan and the Kyrgyz Republic share what both sides describe as “brotherly relations,” rooted in historical bonds, faith, and common aspirations for peace and prosperity in Central and South Asia. The visit is expected to inject fresh momentum into bilateral cooperation and reinforce collaboration at the regional and multilateral levels, including within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

Diplomatic officials expressed optimism that the high-level engagement will help advance connectivity projects linking Pakistan with Central Asia, particularly in energy and transport corridors viewed as vital for regional growth.

The Kyrgyz President will depart on Thursday after completing his engagements in Islamabad.