BISHKEK: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani arrived here Tuesday on a two-day official visit, where he will meet the Kyrgyz leadership to strengthen bilateral relations and trade.The Prime Minister was received by Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Ruslan Kazakbaev at the Manas International Airport. Pakistan’s ambassador to Kyrgyzstan Tanvir Akhtar Khaskheli and other senior government officials greeted the Prime Minister.Two young girls attired in national dresses presented bouquet to the Prime Minister, and offered him a loaf of bread and salt placed on a Rushnik – an embroidered towel, as a traditional welcoming gesture.
Prime Minister Gilani’s delegation included Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar, Secretary Defence Lt Gen (retd) Syed Athar Ali and President Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Senator Ghulam Ali.The Prime Minister was later received by his Kyrgyz counterpart Almazbek Atambaev at the Government House where a formal welcome ceremony was held. A contingent of Kyrgyz armed forces presented salute to the visiting dignitary. Prime Minister Gilani reviewed the guard of honour.Prime Minister Gilani’s visit to Kyrgyzstan is important in increasing the level of trade between the two countries with opening up of new avenues of cooperation in diverse fields – APP
