BISHKEK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met a number of regional and world leaders on the sidelines of the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of State summit in Bishkek, exchanging views on bilateral ties and major regional and global developments.
In a series of informal interactions, the prime minister held discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
He also interacted with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
The meetings were held in a cordial atmosphere, with the leaders discussing issues of mutual interest and matters affecting regional and international stability.
Upon reaching the summit venue, Shehbaz was welcomed by Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov. The two leaders exchanged greetings before joining other heads of delegation for a group photograph ahead of the formal summit proceedings.
Separately, Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan signed a series of agreements on Wednesday aimed at broadening cooperation across several sectors, including trade, security, education, environmental protection and technology.
Prime Minister Shehbaz and President Zhaparov witnessed the signing ceremony, where officials from both countries formally exchanged the documents.
The two leaders also signed a joint statement summarising the main outcomes and areas of understanding discussed during Shehbaz’s three-day visit to Bishkek for the SCO summit.
Foreign ministries to strengthen coordination
As part of the agreements, Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan signed a Diplomatic Programme of Cooperation for 2026–2027, providing a framework for closer coordination between their foreign ministries.
An additional memorandum of understanding was concluded between the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad and the National Institute for Strategic Initiatives of the Kyrgyz Republic.
The MoU seeks to promote collaboration between the two institutions in strategic research, policy analysis and the exchange of expertise.
The agreements are expected to provide fresh momentum to Pakistan-Kyrgyzstan relations and expand institutional cooperation between the two countries.
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