ASTANA: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan reaffirmed their commitment to expanding mutually beneficial cooperation in various sectors including trade, connectivity, defence, security, culture, and people-to-people contacts.
The meeting between the two leaders took place on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Kazakhstan, as reported by the PM Office Media Wing.
During their discussion, both leaders emphasized the strong, multifaceted relations between Pakistan and Uzbekistan. They expressed confidence that the operationalization of the Preferential Trade Agreement and the Pakistan-Uzbekistan Transit Trade Agreement would significantly enhance bilateral trade and economic ties.
Acknowledging Uzbekistan’s strategic importance as a transit hub for broader trade expansion, they agreed to explore various options to bolster connectivity. Discussions included the potential for enhanced trade via the Karachi Port and connectivity to Termez.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif conveyed Pakistan’s aspiration for a prosperous Central Asia and improved regional connectivity.
The leaders also addressed the situation in Afghanistan, underscoring their shared interest in a peaceful and stable Afghanistan, which they believe could contribute to the region’s development and prosperity.
They further discussed the timely realization of the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Railway Project as a crucial step towards achieving these goals.
