Uzbekistan, Pakistan Discuss Strengthening Strategic Partnership and Regional Connectivity

Tashkent, The Gulf Observer: President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev on August 19 received a delegation of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan led by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza.

During the meeting, General Mirza conveyed to President Mirziyoyev the warm greetings and best wishes of Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif. The two sides discussed prospects for enhancing multifaceted cooperation and strengthening the strategic partnership, in line with the agreements reached during Prime Minister Sharif’s visit to Uzbekistan in February this year.

The talks highlighted the growing momentum of bilateral engagement, with mutual contacts and exchanges at various levels becoming more frequent. It was noted that since the beginning of the year, trade turnover between the two countries has risen by 23 percent, while freight transportation increased by 50 percent. Trade houses have been established in Karachi and Lahore, and the number of direct flights between the two nations has expanded.

The sides also considered opportunities for practical cooperation in the military and military-technical spheres, as well as in jointly addressing modern security challenges and threats.

Particular attention was given to the swift and effective implementation of the trilateral agreement on the construction of the Trans-Afghan Railway, a project of strategic importance for regional connectivity and economic development.