Islamabad (TDI): President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev is arriving in Islamabad today for a two-day official visit, leading a high-level delegation that includes senior cabinet ministers and prominent business figures.
During his stay, President Mirziyoyev is scheduled to meet with President Asif Ali Zardari, hold delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and address the Pakistan-Uzbekistan Business Forum, the Foreign Office said on Wednesday.
In a statement, the FO noted that discussions will cover the full spectrum of bilateral relations and explore new avenues for cooperation across trade, energy, defense, education, people-to-people exchanges, and regional connectivity.
This marks the Uzbek president’s second visit to Pakistan, reflecting the steady growth in bilateral ties and the “brotherly relationship between the two countries, rooted in shared history, faith, and aspirations for peace and prosperity in Central and South Asia,” the statement said. President Mirziyoyev last visited Pakistan in 2022.
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Trade and economic cooperation between the two nations have been expanding in recent years. A $1 billion trade agreement signed in 2023 laid the groundwork for industrial collaboration and increased regional connectivity.
Read More: Pakistan-Uzbekistan Business Forum Boosts Economic Cooperation
Last month, during a meeting in Tashkent, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Mirziyoyev agreed to raise bilateral trade to $2 billion, underscoring their commitment to deepening economic ties.
The Embassy of Uzbekistan said that President Mirziyoyev’s visit is expected to usher in a new phase of Pakistan-Uzbekistan relations, further strengthening strategic, economic, and cultural cooperation between the two countries.
The visit comes at a time when regional cooperation is gaining renewed focus, and both countries are keen to explore joint initiatives in infrastructure, technology, and sustainable development. Closer collaboration could open up new economic corridors and increase trade opportunities across Central and South Asia.
In addition to formal talks, the visit is expected to include cultural and social engagements that highlight the historical and people-to-people connections between Pakistan and Uzbekistan. Such interactions are seen as a means to foster goodwill and mutual understanding beyond official agreements.
Officials on both sides have expressed optimism that this visit will further cement long-term partnerships and encourage private sector involvement in bilateral projects. The hope is that ongoing dialogue and cooperation will contribute to broader regional stability and shared prosperity.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
