Gilani links multi-faceted Pak-Kyrgyz ties with prosperity
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, March 16 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday said Pakistan desires multi-faceted and vibrant ties with Kyrgyzstan for the progress and prosperity of two countries.In a meeting with Kyrgyz President Roza Otenbayeva at her presidential office - White House, the two leaders discussed a whole gamut of issues including bilateral trade, Pak-Kyrgyz strategy on energy and infrastructure, Afghanistan situation, regional and global issues.Prime Minister Gilani outlined Pakistan’s desire to improve bilateral trade with Kyrgyzstan for the benefit of the two nations that also share a commonality of culture and traditions.
He noted with satisfaction that Pakistan’s relations with the Central Asian states including Kyrgyzstan were improving.He said the Gwadar deep seaport could serve as a hub of trade for the region and urged the Kyrgyz government to also benefit from such potential.
Gilani said the signing of Joint Declaration with the Kyrgyz prime minister Tuesday would lead to enhancement of trade volume through the establishment of Joint Business Council and more cooperation between the private sectors.
President Otenbayeva said the two countries would begin a new era  of bilateral relations through cooperation in diverse fields. She said Kyrgyzstan was mounting efforts for improvement of communication, transportation and road links with Pakistan for access to international markets via the Gwadar port.
She lauded Pakistan’s peace efforts in Afghanistan and its support for the reconstruction of war-ravaged country.
Gilani congratulated President Otunbayeva for her sagacious leadership in effectively running a parliamentary democracy in Kyrgyzstan.
Other issues pertaining to matters of mutual interests including expansion of bilateral relations came under discussion.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar, Secretary Defence Lt Gen (retd) Syed Athar Ali and President Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries Senator Ghulam Ali, Ambassador Tanvir Akhtar Khaskheli and Schon Group’s Khizar Schon also attended the meeting.