Tashkent, 7 September 2023 (TDI): Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir arrived in Uzbekistan on a two-day official visit from 4-6 September to bolster military-to-military cooperation and defence collaboration between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.

The purpose of the visit is to strengthen cooperation between the military forces and promote collaboration in defence efforts.

During the trip, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Munir called on Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, defence minister and chairman and secretary of the State Security Service of the country.

During the meetings, the army chief underscored the importance of strengthening collaborative training efforts and intelligence exchange.

Additionally, General Munir commended the Uzbekistan military forces for their high-level training proficiency and preparedness, as well as their grasp of regional security concerns

Upon arrival at the Ministry of Defense, a warm welcome was extended to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), and a guard of honour was presented by a smartly turned-out contingent.

Furthermore, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) also laid a floral wreath at the memorial complex of martyrs in Tashkent.

Apart from defence, economic cooperation between Pakistan and Uzbekistan has seen a flurry of activity in recent months.

Also Read: Pakistan and Uzbekistan discuss economic ties and Afghanistan

In February this year, Pakistan and Uzbekistan signed a $1 billion trade agreement to encourage the exchange of goods and services between the two countries.

In June, a convoy of trucks carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from Uzbekistan via Afghanistan arrived in Pakistan, following the signing of the agreement.