Uzbek Ambassador Discusses Promising Areas for Developing Bilateral Cooperation with Deputy Foreign Minister of Pakistan

Ambassador of Uzbekistan Alisher Tukhtaev met with Bilal Hayee, Deputy Foreign Secretary of Pakistan.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Pakistani side was briefed in detail on the reforms and transformations being carried out across all spheres in New Uzbekistan.

The sides exchanged views on the current state of Uzbekistan-Pakistan cooperation and prospects for its further development.

Particular attention was paid to intensifying political dialogue at the high and highest levels, expanding interparliamentary cooperation, diversifying bilateral ties in the trade, economic and investment spheres, as well as strengthening cultural and humanitarian cooperation.

The Deputy Foreign Secretary of Pakistan highly appreciated the current state of Uzbekistan-Pakistan relations, particularly noting the sustained political dialogue and high-level relations based on mutual trust. It was emphasized that positive momentum is being observed in almost all areas of cooperation, including trade and economic relations, transport, tourism and interregional cooperation.

“I am well aware of the reforms being implemented under the leadership of President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the significant results achieved,” the Deputy Foreign Secretary of Pakistan said. “Tashkent is also one of Islamabad’s key partners in the region. In this regard, there is tremendous potential to further expand and diversify bilateral relations. I consider the ‘Babur Garden’, which is being established in Islamabad at the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan, to be a unique symbol of the shared history and friendship of our peoples, as well as a valuable gift from Uzbekistan to the people of Pakistan.”

During the meeting, the sides discussed mechanisms for implementing the tasks set by the two Heads of State to increase bilateral trade to USD 2 billion.

To achieve this target, the importance of seeking innovative solutions to overcome transport and logistics constraints and further intensifying cooperation between the business communities of the two countries was emphasized.

Interregional cooperation was also among the key topics of discussion. The Pakistani side positively assessed the visits made this year to Pakistan by the heads of the Tashkent and Navoi regions, as well as the Republic of Karakalpakstan.

The sides also considered ways to expand people-to-people exchanges. While noting that the number of direct flights between Uzbekistan and Pakistan has reached eight, the importance of introducing additional flights in the future was emphasized in order to further facilitate travel for tourists and businesspeople.

At the conclusion of the talks, the sides agreed to continue diplomatic dialogue with a view to discussing practical measures aimed at realizing the existing potential for expanding cooperation in the above-mentioned areas.