Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of Kyrgyz Republic met with Pakistan Foreign Secretary
Pakistan and Kyrgyz officials discussed collaboration on a wide range of subjects especially two key projects CASA-1000 power transmission line and Quadrilateral Agreement on Trade in Transit Agreement (QTTA) during the recent meeting in Islamabad.
Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of Kyrgyz Republic Talatbek Masadykov, who is on a three-day visit (21-24 October 2021) to Pakistan, held a meeting with Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood on Oct 22. The two sides discussed a wide range of subjects, including bilateral relations, regional peace and security, and cooperation at the international forums.
CASA-1000 and QTTA
Foreign Secretary underlined the importance of enhanced bilateral exchanges, trade and economic ties, and regular interactions of institutional mechanisms. He reiterated Pakistan’s support for ongoing projects such as the CASA-1000 and stressed stepped-up coordination for implementation of Pakistan-China-Kyrgyzstan-Afghanistan QTTA.
CASA-1000: The $1.2 billion Central Asia-South Asia Regional Trade and Transmission Project (CASA-1000) is a 1,270km power transmission line that is expected to export excess hydropower generated in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to Pakistan through Afghanistan. Around 1,300 MW of electricity will be transmitted to Pakistan to meet its rising electricity demands.
QTTA: Quadrilateral Traffic in Transit Agreement (QTTA) is an agreement between Pakistan, China, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan to create a regional trade corridor between Pakistan and Central Asia through Chinese territory. It will help facilitate transit traffic via the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and provide China and Central Asia access to Pakistani ports.
Afghanistan and regional security
On the situation of peace and security, the Foreign Secretary highlighted the importance of a peaceful and stable Afghanistan for Pakistan and the region. Mahmood emphasized the need for the international community to pursue a pragmatic approach and take practical steps in order to seize the opportunity for sustainable peace and stability in Afghanistan.
The Foreign Secretary highlighted the urgent need for relief efforts and humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, the release of Afghanistan’s frozen financial assets, and steps for economic stability. He said that sustainable peace in Afghanistan was essential for the neighboring countries, to preclude security challenges and refugee outflow, and to reap the benefits of regional connectivity through the implementation of CASA-1000 and Trans-Afghan Railway projects.
The Kyrgyz Deputy Chairman shared Kyrgyzstan’s perspective on the evolving situation and appreciated Pakistan’s efforts in support of peace and development in Afghanistan. He also reaffirmed Kyrgyzstan’s commitment to further enhance bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest.