04.03.2022

A briefing was held for the media on the outcomes of the first day of a state visit of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

The President of Uzbekistan and the Prime Minister of Pakistan noted with satisfaction the results of the talks, which traditionally took place in an atmosphere of openness and trust.

Delivering a speech in front of the journalists, the President has once more congratulated the people of Pakistan on the upcoming Pakistan Day. The President emphasized that the current visit symbolically takes place on the eve of a great historical event – the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between the two countries. Especially in recent years, the intensification of a constructive dialogue at the highest level has predetermined the dynamic growth of the level of partnership and trust between Uzbekistan and Pakistan.

«We together with Pakistan are building a solid bridge of cooperation not only between the two countries, but also between the strategically important regions of Central and South Asia», Shavkat Mirziyoyev has highlighted.

The common views and aspirations of the two countries are also confirmed by the similarity of the national programs of long-term development and economic well-being the «New Uzbekistan» and «New Pakistan».

The trade-economic ties are developing consistently. Over the last year, the trade turnover has grown by 50%. During the talks, the goal was set to increase the trade turnover to $500 million in the coming years and bring it to $1 billion in the long term.

The signing of a Preferential Trade Agreement during the visit was an important step.

The important agreements on deepening industrial cooperation have been reached in such key areas as pharmaceuticals, textiles, leather and footwear, food industry, agriculture, construction, banking and financial sector and others. On the outcomes of the business events held on the eve of the visit, about 60 new investment and trade agreements for $800 million were signed.

The Leaders agreed to accelerate the implementation of the major joint transport and communication projects aimed at strengthening the connectivity of Central and South Asia.

The importance of the prompt construction of the strategic railway line «Termez – Mazar-i-Sharif – Kabul – Peshawar» was emphasized, since for Uzbekistan this railway line shall open up the way to international seaports through the territory of Pakistan.

«We believe that the construction of the «Termez – Mazar-i-Sharif – Kabul – Peshawar» railway line, namely the Project of the Century, will contribute not only to the well-being of the countries, but also to the peoples of our vast regions», Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted.

The enormous potential of interregional interaction was noted, which is successfully demonstrated today by Namangan Region and Punjab Province. An agreement on further expansion of contacts between other regions was reached.

During the talks with the Prime Minister of Pakistan, a productive exchange of views on the current issues of the regional agenda and the current situation in Afghanistan took place. The serious concern about the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in this country was expressed.

The President of Uzbekistan has called on the international community to consolidate efforts to help the Afghan people.

Uzbekistan and Pakistan are effectively developing the interactions in security, strengthening cooperation in the military-technical sphere, the fight against terrorism, extremism and transnational crime.

The mechanisms of joint work on the regional and international platforms have been established. Uzbekistan and Pakistan demonstrate their commitment to continue supporting each other in the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Economic Cooperation Organization.

The cultural-humanitarian sphere has been identified as one of the most important and promising areas of partnership.

«The peoples of Uzbekistan and Pakistan living at the crossroads of the ancient Great Silk Road have been linked by a common history, a common language and a rich spiritual heritage», Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized.

Uzbekistan and Pakistan intend to implement the youth programs and enhance ties in science, art, cinema and sports.

It was noted that the interest in studying Urdu is growing year by year in Uzbekistan. In turn, Pakistan also pays a great attention to the study of the Uzbek language and literature, the history of Uzbekistan based on the leading higher education institutions, such as the National University of Modern Languages of Islamabad, Punjab and Peshawar Universities.

«During the visit, we have signed a notable package of documents, in particular, a Joint Declaration on further steps to develop a strategic partnership, which outlines our future efforts to further enhance cooperation between our countries. Our relations, which derive strength and inspiration from our spiritual roots, will continue to rise to new heights for the benefit of our peoples”, the President of Uzbekistan has said.