Tashkent (TDI): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Uzbekistan on Tuesday on a two-day official visit to boost bilateral ties with the Central Asian country.
Pakistan and Uzbekistan have strengthened relations through trade and economic cooperation.
A $1 billion trade agreement was signed in 2023, and plans for further collaboration, including a roadmap for industrial cooperation, show the two countries’ commitment to boosting regional connectivity.
Last month, Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Alisher Tukhtayev, had announced his government’s plan to introduce a new direct flight route between Tashkent and Karachi this year, describing it as a “major step to foster closer relations between the two countries”.
Upon his arrival in Tashkent later today, the prime minister was warmly received by Uzbekistan’s PM Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov.
Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov, Tashkent’s Mayor Shavkat Umurzakov, Uzbek Ambassador Alisher Takhitayev and his Pakistani counterpart Ahmed Farooq, along with senior diplomatic and government officials, were also present at the Tashkent airport.
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A smartly turned-out contingent of the Uzbek armed forces presented a static salute to the PM Shehbaz.
The Prime Minister would hold a bilateral meeting with Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during his trip.
They would “discuss all areas of bilateral collaboration, including connectivity, economic, trade, investment, energy, defence and security, regional stability, and education.
They would also discuss regional and international issues of mutual interest.
The prime minister is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and other members of his cabinet.
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During the visit, the PM would visit the Independence Monument in Tashkent, where he would lay a wreath to pay tribute to Uzbekistan’s great historical figures.
He would also be given a tour and briefing on the monument’s woodwork, depicting Uzbekistan’s three-thousand-year history.
Several activities on the economic side are also likely during the visit.
A a number of bilateral deals/memorandums of understanding (MoUs) are likely to be inked between Pakistan and Uzbekistan, according to a statement issued by Foreign Office.
The premier will also address the Pakistan-Uzbekistan Business Forum, where “leading businessmen from both sides” would participate and hold B2B meetings to further increase bilateral trade.
