TASHKENT:Pakistan and Uzbekistan have committed to increasing their bilateral trade volume from the current $400 million to $2 billion in the near future. The two nations also agreed to explore cooperation in investment, connectivity, and tourism.
These discussions took place during a one-on-one meeting and delegation-level talks between Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who was on a two-day visit to Tashkent.
Speaking at a joint press conference, the leaders expressed their commitment to advancing the Trans-Afghan Railway project, which aims to link Central and South Asia. Prime Minister Shehbaz described the initiative as a transformative development for the region.
Expressing gratitude for Uzbekistan’s hospitality, Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the strong historical and cultural ties between the two countries. He emphasized that relations were progressing rapidly, thanks to joint efforts in investment and trade.
The Pakistani premier assured Uzbekistan of his government’s full support in realizing the Trans-Afghan Railway initiative. Additionally, both sides discussed expanding tourism by increasing flight frequency and introducing new destinations.
Addressing regional stability, the two leaders stressed the importance of a peaceful Afghanistan for enhanced connectivity and security. Prime Minister Shehbaz underlined that Afghanistan’s territory should not be used by militant groups to target any other nation, including Pakistan.
Shehbaz Sharif also mentioned that members of his delegation would remain in Tashkent for further discussions on collaboration in energy, mining, and the railway project, with additional officials from Islamabad joining later.
He extended an invitation to President Mirziyoyev to visit Pakistan, which the Uzbek leader accepted.
President Mirziyoyev described the discussions as highly productive and acknowledged Pakistan as a trusted and rapidly growing partner. He termed Shehbaz Sharif’s visit as historic, marking a new era in bilateral relations.
The Uzbek president announced plans to establish a High-Level Strategic Council, with ministries and relevant departments from both nations providing bi-monthly updates on progress in various areas of cooperation.
Both leaders also shared similar views on Afghanistan’s development and the Palestinian issue, agreeing to support each other in international forums. They further decided to form a committee to address challenges related to the Trans-Afghan Railway project.
“This project represents our future. Trade and people-to-people connections will increase significantly,” President Mirziyoyev stated.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a constructive meeting with Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov. Their discussions focused on strengthening bilateral ties and exploring new avenues of cooperation.
The meeting was part of Deputy Prime Minister Dar’s engagements during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s official visit to Uzbekistan.
