On February 5, in Islamabad, the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the Prime Minister of Pakistan Shahbaz Sharif held talks in a narrow format, and also took part in the first meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council.
During the meetings, practical aspects of further expanding and strengthening the Uzbek-Pakistani strategic partnership and multifaceted cooperation within the framework of implementing the agreements reached at the highest level were discussed in detail.
The parties noted with satisfaction that relations between the two countries have gained new momentum in recent years. It was noted that political dialogue is steadily strengthening, and inter-parliamentary and interdepartmental exchanges are also developing dynamically.
Economic indicators also testify to this: by the end of last year, the volume of mutual trade reached almost 500 million dollars. Currently, about 230 enterprises with Pakistani capital operate in Uzbekistan. The number of flights has increased, and interbank correspondent relations are gradually strengthening. The practical results of joint cooperation projects in the textile, pharmaceutical, chemical, agricultural, and other industries were especially emphasized. The results of the political consultations and the meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission held on the eve of the visit were also welcomed. It was noted that an exhibition of industrial products of Uzbekistan is also being held within the framework of the visit.
The need to hold the first meeting of the Coordination Committee of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs in Tashkent in the coming days was noted as the next practical step. In addition, an agreement was reached on the establishment of the Uzbek-Pakistani Business Council in order to establish long-term and systemic cooperation between business circles.
During the discussions, a big goal for the near future was also set: bringing the volume of mutual trade to 2 billion dollars. To achieve this goal, issues of expanding the list of products under the current Preferential Trade Agreement, as well as further increasing phytosanitary permits for Uzbek agricultural products, were discussed. Decisions were also made to more actively use the trading houses of Uzbekistan in Lahore and Karachi.
It was noted that in preparation for the visit, a portfolio of projects worth about $3.5 billion has been formed in agriculture, electrical engineering, geology, pharmaceuticals, light industry, food processing, and other areas.
Transport and logistics issues were also at the center of attention. The parties noted the importance of accelerating the implementation of the Trans-Afghan railway project, as well as the development of the Pakistan-China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan transport corridor. At the same time, interregional ties have been identified as one of the main drivers of economic cooperation.
In this context, an agreement was reached on organizing the Uzbekistan-Pakistan Interregional Forum and a proposal was made to hold its first meeting this year in the Khorezm region.
The possibility of establishing systematic cooperation in the field of pilgrimage tourism was noted. In order to strengthen friendship between the two peoples, an agreement was reached on holding Uzbekistan Culture Week and Uzbekistan Cinema Days in Pakistan this year. The head of state also proposed establishing a joint cultural center in Lahore, Pakistan, to widely promote the Mughal heritage.
During the negotiations, an exchange of views also took place on topical issues of the international and regional agenda, and a firm commitment was expressed to continue close cooperation within the framework of multilateral structures.
In conclusion, Shavkat Mirziyoyev invited Shahboz Sharif to pay a return visit to Uzbekistan.
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