Islamabad, 3 March 2022 (TDI): Uzbekistan’s President, Shavkat Mirziyoyev arrived on a two-day-long official visit to Pakistan.  Prime Minister Imran Khan held a one-on-one meeting with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Prime Minister’s Office, Islamabad.

On the arrival, Pakistan’s Armed Forces gave a guard of honour to the Uzbekistan President. Uzbek head of State’s visit marks the 30th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between  Uzbekistan and Pakistan.

Prime Minister Imran Khan receiving Uzbek President at Nur khan Airbase, Islamabad

Both officials discussed bilateral relations between the two countries. Also, they talked about regional connectivity with Central Asia. Additionally, both discussed  Kashmir Issue and Islamophobia.

Press Conference of Pakistan Prime Minister and Uzbekistan President

At the Prime Minister’s House, both officials addressed a joint Press conference. In the press conference, Imran Khan said that Uzbekistan and Pakistan agreed to enhance bilateral trade and investment through train service to Uzbekistan via Afghanistan.

Likewise, Imran Khan also pointed out that trade volume has increased 50 per cent in one year between two countries; Pakistan and Uzbekistan.

He also revealed that both counties are working on a film based project on Zahir-ud-din Babur. Babur was the first Mughal Emperor and belonged to Uzbekistan.

Talking about the Kashmir issue, Imran Khan said, ” We want the United Nations (UN) to ask India to implement its resolutions regarding Kashmir.”

Imran Khan highlighted that both countries share the same stance against Islamophobia. Muslims’ sentiments are being hurt in the name of Freedom of Speech.

On the other hand, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev thanked Imran Khan and the People of Pakistan for the warm welcome. He said Uzbekistan would coordinate with Pakistan to restore the cultural sector.

Further, he argued that Uzbekistan would enhance trade and economic relations with Pakistan. President Mirziyov added, “Tashkent values its ties with Pakistan, and both countries will coordinate in the restoration of cultural sectors.”

Pakistan Minister Imran Khan (R) and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev (L) signed Strategic Partnership.

Earlier, both countries signed various Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) in different areas. These include Preferential Trade agreements, security cooperation, railways, media collaboration, climate change, and tourism.