Rawalpindi, 22 February 2022 (TDI): H.E. Mr. Sardor Umurzakov, Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan called on Pakistan General Nadeem Raza, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee at Joint Staff Headquarters, Rawalpindi, today.
Matters of bilateral strategic interest with particular emphasis on evolving regional security situation particularly in Afghanistan and further strengthening of security & defense cooperation between the two brotherly countries were brought into discussion during the meeting.
The dignitaries also dilated upon measures to enhance the level and scope of military engagements between both countries and reaffirmed to continue to forge deeper ties.
Chairman JCSC said that Pakistan is keen to expand its existing bilateral military-to-military cooperation with Uzbekistan as part of Pakistan’s ongoing upward trajectory in Defence ties with the regional countries.
H.E. Mr. Sardor Umurzakov commended the Pakistan Armed Forces for their role in safeguarding the vital national interests of Pakistan. Umurzakov also commended the Armed Forces for defending its sovereignty/ territorial integrity.
The visiting dignitary applauded the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces and acknowledged the sacrifices rendered by Pakistan in the fight against terrorism.
PAKISTAN-UZBEKISTAN RELATIONS
Pakistan recognized Uzbekistan as an independent country shortly after its declaration in 1991. Pakistan was one of the first countries that recognized back then Uzbekistan as an independent country.
During a brief period, the relations between both countries. The reason was the situation in Afghanistan and the Taliban in power. After the fall of the Taliban, the relations between them improved.
Furthermore, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, had one goal when he arrived in the Presidency of his country. That goal was to improve and deepen Uzbek outreach to regional countries.
Their bilateral relations are getting stronger each day that passes. Uzbekistan has an embassy in Islamabad. On the other side, the Pakistani Embassy is in Tashkent. The current Ambassador of Pakistan in Uzbekistan is Syed Ali Asad Gillani.
Moreover, Gillani first joined the Foreign Ministry as Assistant Director in Human Resource Department in 1998. Gillani also studied Chinese at Beijing Language and Cultural University.
Gillani has served in Pakistan’s Missions in Beijing (Third Secretary), Geneva (First Secretary), Tokyo (Counsellor); and Ankara (Minister/Deputy Head of Mission). Gillani assumed the diplomatic mission in Tashkent in 2020.
