Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif today welcomed the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, in Islamabad. An official welcome ceremony was held at the Prime Minister's House, followed by a one-on-one meeting and delegation-level talks between the two sides.
According to Radio Pakistan, the discussions between the leaders highlighted the positive trajectory of Pakistan-Uzbekistan relations, marked by common historical, religious, and cultural affinities. They covered the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, with a focus on trade and investment, regional connectivity, education, and cultural exchanges. Views were exchanged on regional and global issues of mutual interest and concern.
The leaders expressed satisfaction over the growing high-level interactions and regular meetings of bilateral institutional mechanisms. They welcomed the operationalization of the High-Level Strategic Consultative Council, established during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's visit to Tashkent in February 2025, which will enable effective implementation of decisions taken by the leadership. Both sides committed to implement the agreed roadmap following that visit.
On regional connectivity, the leaders appreciated efforts to enhance road, rail, air, and maritime cooperation. They agreed that the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Railway Project is a key driver of connectivity between Central Asia and Pakistani seaports.
They agreed to enhance mutually beneficial collaboration in mining, energy, defense, tourism, education, and culture. They reiterated their commitment to enhance bilateral trade up to two billion US dollars.
After talks, they unveiled plaques of Tashkent Street and Babur Park in Islamabad. At the Agreements and MoUs Signing and Exchange Ceremony, they signed the Joint Declaration on the outcomes of the state visit of the President of Uzbekistan to Pakistan.
A total of twenty-nine agreements and memorandums of understanding were exchanged in fields including trade, investment, mining, health, IT, agriculture, education, research, maritime cooperation, and sports.
In recognition of President Mirziyoyev's contributions to strengthening relations and promoting peace and development, the Prime Minister conferred an honorary Doctorate of Philosophy and Certificate of Honorary Professor of the National University of Science and Technology upon him.
In remarks to the media, the leaders expressed confidence that the signing of agreements and the Joint Declaration would open new avenues of cooperation. President Mirziyoyev thanked Prime Minister Sharif for the hospitality and invited him for the next round of the Pakistan-Uzbekistan High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council in Tashkent next year.