Tashkent, 30 July 2022 (TDI): Foreign Minister of Pakistan Bilawal Bhutto Zardari held a bilateral meeting with Norov Vladimir Imamovich, Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan. The meeting took place on the sidelines of SCO-CFM in Tashkent.
Honored to meet Prez Shavkat Mirziyoyev @president_uz as part of a joint call by SCO FMs. Reaffirmed close fraternal & historic relations b/w our two countries. Conveyed warm greetings from PM @CMShehbaz & thanked Uzbek Govt for excellent arrangements made for SCO CFM.
🇵🇰🤝🇺🇿 pic.twitter.com/Ts1lrNEIIv
— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) July 29, 2022
The two sides exchanged views on deepening bilateral cooperation in various areas.
It included political, trade, and economic areas of cooperation. While enhancing security, defense, and connectivity was also discussed.
Remarks on Bilateral engagements
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed satisfaction at the level of bilateral contacts in the last few years.
He stressed the importance of maintaining the momentum through consolidating the strategic partnership between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.
He further underscored the urgent need to operationalize Transit Trade Agreement (UPTTA) and Preferential Trade Agreement. These projects will contribute to boosting trade and transit between the two countries.
The Foreign Minister underlined the importance of direct air connectivity to enhance business and people-to-people links.
He also appreciated the progress in joint media production on the common heritage and life of Mughal Emperor Zaheer-ud-din Babur.
The Foreign Minister re-affirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the timely completion of the Trans-Afghan railway project. The project will connect Uzbekistan to Pakistan’s sea ports via railways through Afghanistan.
In this context, he also expressed pleasure at the commencement of a joint field expedition in Afghanistan.
He further urged the need to fully utilize the potential of Pakistan’s seaports of Gwadar and Karachi by advancing the connectivity agenda.
The two leaders also expressed satisfaction with the existing cooperation at regional and international foram, particularly at the UN, OIC, ECO, and SCO.
Uzbekistan is currently the chairman of ECO and SCO for the year 2022.
Moreover, both sides share views on regional and international issues. Foreign Minister Bilawal reiterated Pakistan’s continued support for sustainable peace and stability in Afghanistan and its benefits for the region and beyond.
