Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Following the talks between the leaders of Uzbekistan and Pakistan, a briefing was held for representatives of the media.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev called the official visit of Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan an important political event, opening a new page in the history of interstate relations.

- We are pleased that in recent years our multifaceted relations have risen to a qualitatively and substantively even higher level. The just-concluded talks in narrow and expanded format have proved the firmness of our intentions to develop relations of friendship and cooperation. Given the current high level of interaction between Uzbekistan and Pakistan, we signed a Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership between our states. We can say with confidence that this important step will open a new era in the history of our relations, - said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

- This is my first visit to Uzbekistan, and I hope it will not be the last. Mr President and I had a very meaningful dialogue. The sincerity and length of the conversation were such that in the end I began to understand Uzbek. After all, Urdu and Uzbek are similar. Today, both in Pakistan and in Uzbekistan, a consonant work is being carried out to support the poor, reduce poverty, and develop education. We have thoroughly discussed the possibilities of cooperation in trade, economic, transport, educational, cultural and tourism spheres, reached strategic agreements, - said Imran Khan.

It was noted that during the fruitful negotiations, which took place in an atmosphere of mutual trust and openness, in a sincere and pragmatic spirit, new opportunities for partnership were considered and “points of growth” were identified. It was emphasized that the volume of bilateral trade in recent years has increased fourfold, the parties agreed to increase this figure by another four to five times.

At the meeting of the joint Intergovernmental Commission held on the eve of the visit and within the framework of today’s business forum, agreements were reached on specific projects worth more than US$500 million. Among them, the Agreement on Transit and Trade should be especially noted, which will serve to achieve the ambitious plans outlined by our countries.

An agreement was also reached on the implementation of new joint projects in agriculture, seed production and animal husbandry, mechanical engineering and construction, pharmaceuticals and chemistry, light industry and other priority areas, as well as on the establishment of direct ties between regions.

The issue of building the Termez-Mazar-i-Sharif-Kabul-Peshawar railway was discussed in detail.

As noted at the briefing, the parties also agreed to expand cooperation in the field of security. The parties confirmed their constant mutual support within the framework of authoritative international and regional structures.

The prospects for cooperation in the fields of tourism and culture were also discussed.