09 November 2004	Tuesday	25 Ramazan 1425

ISLAMABAD, Nov 8: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said on Monday Pakistan considered Central Asia as very important part of the region and wished to promote its strong cultural, religious and social ties with it further.

He was talking to Foreign Minister of Kyrgyzstan Askar Chingizovich Aitmatov who called on him here at the Prime Minister House.

The prime minister said that since Pakistan was located close to the Warm Waters, Kyrgyzstan could benefit from this short route for its transit trade, through China or Afghanistan.

He said a strong and stable Afghanistan was good for the region and Pakistan hoped that after the presidential elections, peace and tranquillity would 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.

Mr Aziz said both the countries could develop people-to-people contacts through cultural exchanges and student scholarships.

He said the Gwadar Port was being developed into an international port with huge investment from China.

He said the road network was being completed with the assistance of Asian Development Bank, which will connect Central Asian Republics with this port and generate massive economic activities in the region.

He said goods produced in Pakistan were 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's 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 meeting, matters pertaining to opening of banks, resuming flights from Karachi and exchange of private sector delegations would be discussed.

The Kyrgyz minister said his country would contribute towards rebuilding Afghanistan. "We will extend full cooperation to Pakistan in fighting terrorism and extremism in the region," he added.

Our Reporter adds: Mr Aitmatov also called on Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri, his Pakistani counterpart, on Monday and discussed with him a wide range of issues.

A joint statement issued here after the meeting said that views on regional and international issues were exchanged.

Kyrgyzstan President Askar Akaev would pay an official visit to Pakistan early next year during which some agreements would be signed, it emerged during the meeting.

The two sides agreed to hold the second session of the Pakistan-Kyrgyzstan Joint Ministerial Commission in Bishkek in December, 2004.

It was agreed in the meeting to implement the 'Quadrilateral Agreement' on priority and fully utilize the Karakorum Highway for the purpose.

"Reiterating their commitment to peace and stability, the two sides resolved that effective measures would be taken by their respective departments to jointly combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.