Pakistan, Uzbekistan agree to boost trade, sign multiple MoUs
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Pakistan and Uzbekistan signed multiple agreements on Wednesday aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in defence, technology, technical training, and youth empowerment.
The agreements were signed during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s two-day visit to Uzbekistan, at the invitation of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Both countries also agreed to work towards expanding bilateral trade to $2 billion.
Following their bilateral meeting and delegation-level talks, Prime Minister Shehbaz and President Mirziyoyev witnessed the signing of several documents. These included agreements and MoUs in various sectors.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov exchanged documents related to visa-free travel for diplomatic passport holders, military intelligence, internal affairs, professional and technical training, and the training of diplomats.
An inter-government agreement was also signed between the two countries to collaborate on scientific research, technology, and innovation. Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and Uzbek Deputy Prime Minister Khodjayev Jamshid exchanged the relevant documents.
Additionally, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and the Director-General of the National Information Agency of Uzbekistan, Kuchimov Abdusaid, exchanged an agreement on news cooperation between the two countries’ news agencies.
DPM Ishaq Dar and the Mayor of Tashkent, Shavkat Umurzakov Buranovich, signed an MoU between Lahore and Tashkent.
An MoU was also exchanged between Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s Youth Programme and the Government of Uzbekistan on youth affairs, with Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaulah Tarar and Director of the Youth Affairs Agency of Uzbekistan Sa’dullayev Alisher exchanging the documents.
Speaking at a joint press conference, President Mirziyoyev welcomed PM Shehbaz and highlighted the importance of the agreements.
He said the two nations would work together to overcome challenges and unlock new economic opportunities.
The Uzbek leader emphasised that trade volume would be expanded and described direct flights between Tashkent and Lahore as mutually beneficial.
He also noted that leading Pakistani business figures were in Uzbekistan to explore investment opportunities.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked the Uzbek government for its hospitality and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening economic and strategic ties.
He called Uzbekistan a “reliable partner” and invited Uzbek investors to explore opportunities in Pakistan.
PM Shehbaz said his government had stabilised Pakistan’s economy, lowering inflation from 38% to 2.4%, and that policy reforms were boosting investor confidence.
He also underlined the importance of regional connectivity, including trade via rail networks and joint efforts in the minerals and tourism sectors.
PM Shehbaz also called on Afghanistan’s interim government to ensure its territory is not used against Pakistan, stressing that regional peace and stability are in the collective interest.
The premier underscored the significance of peace in Afghanistan, urging the Kabul administration to take concrete steps to prevent cross-border security threats.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was accorded a guard of honour in Tashkent as he arrived at the Congress Centre to meet Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev for high-level discussions.
The Uzbek leader received PM Shehbaz upon arrival, with both countries’ national anthems played before the prime minister reviewed a military guard alongside Mirziyoyev.
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