Pakistan committed to boost ties with Uzbekistan in diverse fields: President

Islamabad(Radio Pakistan) President Asif Ali Zardari said Pakistan is committed to elevating bilateral relations with Uzbekistan to new heights through closer cooperation in connectivity, trade and people-to-people contacts.

He made these remarks during a meeting with Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Islamabad today.

Asif Ali Zardari expressed confidence that the visit would prove productive and forward-looking. He reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to working closely with Uzbekistan to further strengthen cooperation in trade, connectivity, defence, security, culture and heritage. He noted that direct air links between the two countries have brought their peoples closer and underscored the importance of regional connectivity initiatives, including the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Railway Project, while highlighting the need to address remaining challenges through collective efforts.

The President of Pakistan highlighted the steady growth in bilateral trade in recent years and underscored the need to realize the true economic potential of the relationship, with the shared objective of expanding trade to two billion dollars as agreed by the two sides. He also stressed the importance of enhancing people-to-people contacts, tourism cooperation and cultural exchanges, drawing on the rich historical and spiritual links between the two nations.

President Zardari also expressed the need to extend collaboration and facilitation between the financial institutions, including banks, to support trade and investment flows.

Speaking on the occasion, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said Uzbekistan attaches great importance to strengthening friendship and the strategic partnership with Pakistan. He noted with satisfaction the steady growth in bilateral contacts at various levels, including the expansion of trade, an increase in joint ventures, and the implementation of cooperation projects in priority sectors of the economy. He directed his concerned minister to coordinate with the Pakistani counterpart in this regard.

The Uzbek President emphasized the need to further expand practical cooperation through closer political dialogue, stronger trade, economic and investment ties, and more active business exchanges. He also invited President Asif Ali Zardari to pay an official visit to Uzbekistan. He said two additional direct flights would be added between the two countries, taking the total number of weekly flights to six, to further facilitate people-to-people contacts, tourism and business exchanges.

During the meetings, the two Presidents also discussed the regional situation, including matters affecting peace, stability and security.

The two Presidents first held a tête-à-tête meeting, during which they exchanged views on key bilateral, regional and international issues. This was followed by an extended meeting with their respective delegations.

Later, during a Special Investiture Ceremony, the President conferred the Nishan-e-Pakistan on President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in recognition of his contribution to strengthening Pakistan-Uzbekistan relations.

The ceremony was attended by, among others, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, members of the federal cabinet, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, members of the diplomatic corps and parliamentarians, and was followed by a state banquet hosted in honour of the visiting President.