On February 5, in Islamabad, the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the Prime Minister of Pakistan Shahbaz Sharif made a statement to the media following the results of the first meeting of the Strategic Cooperation Council.
At the beginning of his speech, the head of state thanked Shahbaz Sharif for the invitation to pay a state visit to Pakistan, the high level of hospitality, and the meaningful negotiations held. It was also emphasized that dynamically developing Pakistan is a reliable strategic partner for Uzbekistan. It was noted that the large-scale reforms carried out under the leadership of the Prime Minister, aimed at improving the well-being of the people, increasing the pace of economic growth, and strengthening the country's international authority, are also welcomed in Uzbekistan.
Another aspect noted with satisfaction is that this visit coincided with the fifth anniversary of the establishment of strategic partnership relations between Uzbekistan and Pakistan. During this period, the trade turnover between the two countries increased 2.5 times, and the number of joint ventures and projects almost tripled. The goal was set to bring trade turnover to 2 billion dollars in the near future. At the same time, it was announced that a portfolio of promising trade and investment agreements worth $3.5 billion has been formed.
Following the negotiations, a Joint Declaration was adopted, and about 30 important documents defining priority areas of cooperation were signed. The parties expressed their firm intention to jointly strengthen the interconnectedness between Central and South Asia through the consistent development of regional cooperation. Readiness to continue mutual support within the framework of international and regional structures was also noted.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed gratitude for Pakistan's active support for Uzbekistan's accession to the World Trade Organization. Pakistan's efforts to ensure peace and international stability as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 2025-2026 were also highly appreciated.
Agreements were reached on expanding cooperation in such areas as pharmaceuticals, textiles, electrical engineering, mining and food industries, and agriculture. Special attention was paid to strengthening transport and logistics ties, as well as creating more favorable conditions for business. In order to deepen interregional ties, it was decided to hold the first Interregional Forum in Uzbekistan this year.
The cultural and humanitarian sphere has not been overlooked: jointly organizing cultural weeks, film festivals, studying and popularizing the scientific and educational heritage of great thinkers are planned. Gratitude was once again expressed for naming one of the streets in Islamabad after Tashkent.
The head of Uzbekistan also announced the decision to create a park in the capital of Pakistan named after the great statesman and poet Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur. It is noted that this decision will be a worthy gift to the people of Pakistan on the eve of the celebration of the country's Independence Day.
The President also expressed special gratitude for the awarding of the titles of Honorary Doctor and Professor by the National University of Science and Technology of Pakistan. At the end of his speech, he congratulated everyone on the upcoming Pakistan Day holiday and the upcoming holy month of Ramadan.
Read “Zamin” on Telegram!
