Islamabad (TDI): Acting President of Pakistan, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, met with Nuriddin Muydinkhonovich Ismoilov, Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis (Parliament) of Uzbekistan.
The two leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to enhancing parliamentary cooperation and boosting regional integration.
During the meeting, Acting President Gilani warmly welcomed the visiting Uzbek parliamentary leader and reiterated Pakistan’s strong fraternal relations with Uzbekistan.
He highlighted the deep historical, cultural, and religious bonds that unite the two nations and noted the growing momentum in political, economic, and parliamentary collaboration.
Gilani recalled his own visit to Uzbekistan earlier in April 2025 for the 150th Inter-Parliamentary Union, lauding the hospitality extended by the Uzbek government.
He expressed appreciation for the recent signing of the Road Map for Accelerated Implementation of Agreements during the 51st OIC Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Istanbul this June, calling it a key step forward in bilateral cooperation.
The Acting President emphasized the importance of continued high-level exchanges and expressed hope that President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan would visit Pakistan soon, following an official invitation by the Prime Minister.
Read More: Pakistan, Uzbekistan Strengthen Parliamentary Cooperation
Highlighting the progress made through institutional mechanisms such as the Joint Ministerial Commission and Bilateral Political Consultations, last held in Tashkent in late 2024 and early 2025, Gilani underlined the vital role of parliamentary diplomacy in building trust and collaboration.
He encouraged further engagement through Parliamentary Friendship Groups, exchange of delegations, joint meetings, and seminars. Trade and connectivity also featured prominently in the talks.
Gilani welcomed the steady upward trajectory in bilateral trade and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to increasing trade volume to $2 billion over the next four years, in line with targets set during the Prime Minister’s visit to Tashkent.
On the connectivity front, the resumption of direct flights between Tashkent and Lahore/Islamabad by Uzbekistan Airways was hailed as a catalyst for enhanced people-to-people and business ties.
Gilani also highlighted the strategic importance of the Trans-Afghan Railway Project, which aims to link Uzbekistan and Pakistan through Afghanistan. Calling it a “game-changer,” he stressed its potential to transform regional trade and connect Central Asia to the Arabian Sea.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continue working closely for regional peace, prosperity, and sustainable development. Both sides agreed that parliamentary cooperation will remain a cornerstone of their evolving partnership in the years to come.
Sohail Majeed
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
