Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was welcome with an honor guard at the Tashkent congress center in the capital of Uzbekistan on Tuesday, the second and last day of his official visit there to strengthen bilateral and commercial relations.
Pakistan and Uzbekistan have strengthened ties through commercial and economic cooperation. A $ 1 billion commercial agreement was signed in 2023, and plans for additional collaboration, including a road map for industrial cooperation, show the commitment of the two parties to boost regional connectivity.
The prime minister had arrived at Tashkent last night, after concluding an official two -day visit to Azerbaijan, where he agreed to increase bilateral investments to $ 2 billion.
Prime Minister Shehbaz was well received by Uzbekistan president Shavkat Mirziyoyev, today at the Tashkent congress center, where both leaders are ready to hold a bilateral meeting.
The prime minister received a formal welcome reception, with the national hymns of Pakistan and Uzbekistan, followed by the Honor Guard by the contingents of the Uzbek Armed Forces, which the prime minister reviewed together with President Mirziyoyev.
Later, Prime Minister Shehbaz and President Mirziyoyev presented their respective delegations to each other before proceeding to the bilateral meeting and conversations at the delegation level.
At their meeting, both leaders “would discuss all bilateral cooperation areas that include connectivity, economic, trade, energy, defense and security, regional stability and education,” according to a previous statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Leaders would also exchange opinions on regional and international issues of mutual interest, according to the press release.
Later today, the prime minister would visit the Techno Park in Tashkent to observe the Uzbekistan construction industry, according to Application.
Several activities on the economic side are also expected during the visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz.
According to the FO, “several” bilateral agreements/Memorandes of understanding (Mou) between Pakistan and Uzbekistan will be signed.
The prime minister is also ready to address the Pakistan-Uzbekistan business forum, where “leading entrepreneurs of both parties” would participate and would hold B2B meetings to further improve bilateral trade.
The visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz “underlines Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthen his ties with Uzbekistan, promoting greater economic collaboration and exploring new ways of association, as part of the strategic vision for regional integration and economic prosperity,” He had pointed out the FO.
“Pakistan and Uzbekistan are united by common ties of history, culture, religion and their peace and development aspirations,” he said.
The prime minister is accompanied by a high -level delegation, including vice president Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, the Minister of Investment and Privatization, Abdul Aleem Khan, the Minister of Information, Attaullah Tarar, and special assistant of Prime Minister Tariq Fatmi.
PM expects ‘mutually advantageous cooperation’
Upon arrival in the capital of Tashkent yesterday, Prime Minister Shehbaz was received for his counterpart Uzbeka Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov.
Uzbekistan Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor, Sahov, Tashkent Mayor Shavkat Umurzakov, envoy Uzbeko Alisher Takhitayev and his Pakistani counterpart Ahmed Farooq, along with superior diplomatic and government officials, were also present.
Prime Minister Shehbaz visited the Independence Monument in Tashkent, where he placed a crown of flowers and was informed about the history of 3000 years old from the Uzbeka nation and his heroes, administered by the state Pakistan radio reported.
The visit stressed the shared historical and cultural ties between Pakistan and Uzbekistan while reaffirming the commitment to deepen bilateral relations, said a statement.
The prime minister expressed his admiration for the progress and resistance of Uzbekistan, establishing parallels with Pakistan’s struggle for independence and development.
In his comments, Prime Minister Shehbaz had said: “The monument of independence is a testimony of courage and the determination of the Uzbeko people. Pakistan and Uzbekistan share a common vision for peace, prosperity and regional connectivity. This visit is a reminder of our shared values and the need to work together for a brighter future. “
“Wheels in Uzbekistan. Deeply moved by the great reception at the airport and the warm welcome for my dear brother Prime Minister Abdullah Aipov, ”said Prime Minister in X after his arrival there yesterday.
“Uzbekistan is the Central Asia Crown, breathes history through the greatness of its old cities, timeless art and a magnificent architecture. I look forward to my commitments to improve our common desire to strengthen these friendship ties through mutually advantageous trade, investment and cooperation. “
Earlier this month, Ambassador Tukhtayev had met with the Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where he emphasized that Uzbekos investors were eager to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan, particularly in Baluchistan.
Last month, the envoy had announced the plan of his government to introduce a new direct flight route between Tashkent and Karachi this year, describing it as a “significant step to promote the closest ties between the two nations.”
In May of last year, the foreign ministers of both countries gathered, underlining their countries’ commitment to the rapid completion of a planned railway bond that Afghanistan crossed.
Bilateral trade between Pakistan and Uzbekistan has grown substantially in recent years, from $ 27 million in 2019-20 to $ 126 million in 2022-23.
