ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to Kyrgyzstan’s historical legacy and held a key meeting with the Speaker of the Kyrgyz parliament aimed at translating deep-rooted political goodwill into tangible economic and parliamentary cooperation.
The president visited the Ata Beit Memorial Complex (literally “Grave of Our Fathers”) in Chong-Tash, a solemn historical site and the resting place of Kyrgyzstan’s national figures. He laid a wreath at the central monument and paid tribute to Kyrgyz martyrs from different historical eras and the nation’s struggle for independence. He then visited the Ata-Beit Memorial Museum, where he viewed historical artefacts chronicling Kyrgyzstan’s journey towards sovereignty, including the memorial dedicated to renowned Kyrgyz writer Chingiz Aitmatov, who is also buried there.
Earlier, President Asif Ali Zardari was seen off at Issyk-Kul Airport, Tamchy, by President Sadyr Zhaparov. Upon arrival at Manas International Airport, Bishkek, he was received by Speaker of the Parliament of the Kyrgyz Republic Mamataliev Marlen Abdyrakhmanovich and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan Altamash Wazir Khan.
Later, Speaker Mamataliev Marlen Abdyrakhmanovich called on President Zardari, accompanied by prominent members of the Kyrgyz parliament.
The two sides discussed ways to deepen parliamentary cooperation, expand trade, and strengthen people-to-people exchanges. The president underscored the importance of robust inter-parliamentary engagement in ensuring continuity in bilateral relations.
Both sides reviewed progress on land and air connectivity, bilateral trade and cooperation on certification mechanisms and professional pathways for students.
Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, Dr Asim Hussain, Adviser to the President, and senior Pakistani officials also attended the meeting.
The meeting was followed by a dinner hosted by the Speaker of Kyrgyz parliament in honour of President Zardari, which was attended by senior Pakistani and Kyrgyz officials.
