Islamabad (TDI): Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev arrived in Pakistan on Thursday for a two-day official visit aimed at further strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
Upon his arrival in Islamabad, President Mirziyoyev was received by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari.
Earlier, the Foreign Office said the Uzbek president was visiting Pakistan at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. During the visit, he is leading a high-level delegation comprising senior cabinet members and prominent business leaders.
According to the FO, President Mirziyoyev is scheduled to meet President Zardari, hold delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz, and address the Pakistan-Uzbekistan Business Forum.
This marks President Mirziyoyev’s second visit to Pakistan, following his earlier trip in 2022. The Foreign Office said the visit reflects the growing momentum in Pakistan-Uzbekistan relations and the close, brotherly ties between the two countries, rooted in shared history, faith, and common aspirations for peace and prosperity in Central and South Asia.
Read More: Pakistan-Uzbekistan Ties in Focus as Mirziyoyev Lands in Islamabad
Pakistan and Uzbekistan have significantly expanded cooperation in recent years, particularly in trade and economic sectors. A $1 billion trade agreement signed in 2023 laid the foundation for deeper collaboration, including a roadmap for industrial cooperation and enhanced regional connectivity.
Last month, during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s meeting with President Mirziyoyev in Tashkent, the two sides agreed to increase bilateral trade to $2 billion, underscoring their commitment to strengthening economic ties.
The Embassy of Uzbekistan said last week that President Mirziyoyev’s visit is expected to open a new chapter in bilateral relations, further deepening cooperation across multiple sectors.
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.
Read More: Pakistan-Uzbekistan Relations: Diplomacy, Security, Economy & Regional Cooperation
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.
