Jatoi stresses closer links with Kyrgystan
By Adnan Rafique

ISLAMABAD—Federal Minister for Water and Power, Liaquat Ali Jatoi has stressed the need for establishing shorter air link between Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan which could facilitate quick access to the people of the two countries, besides fully exploiting the road link. He also underlined the need for simplification of visa procedure to promote movement of business community with ultimate objective of enhancing bilateral trade and economic activities between the two countries.
He said this while addressing the Second session of the Pakistan Kyrgyzstan Joint Ministerial Commission held on Sunday in Bishkek. According to message received from the embassy of Pakistan at Bishkek, the session was held in friendly and cordial atmosphere reflecting the close bilateral relations existing between the two countries. Pakistan side was led by Mr. Liaquat Ali Jatoi, Federal Minister for Water and Power where as Kyrgyz side was led by Mr. Igor Chudinov, Minister for Energy and Fuel Resources, Government of Kyrgyzstan.
Both sides discussed wide range of issues covering Water and Power, communication, science and technology, education, culture and tourism, bilateral trade and industries. Both the sides expressed satisfaction over the progress of the decisions taken during the first JMC held in Islamabad in 2003 and resolved to enhance the bilateral relations at a faster pace. Mr. Jatoi offered the Kyrgyz Government free short term training courses for the officers of Railways, Post Offices and Banks. He also offered them training in the fields of Agriculture and Science and Technology. The Kyrgyz side assured to closely work together with the concerned authorities in Pakistan in this regard.
The Kyrgyz Minister while appreciating the offer lauded the assistance and support being provided to them by Pakistani Government in their development efforts. The two Ministers also resolved to hold joint Ministerial meeting on regular basis. The next meeting of the Commission will be held in 2008 in Islamabad.