Mirziyoyev and Zardari Discuss Expanding Strategic Partnership Between Uzbekistan and Pakistan

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — As part of the state visit to Islamabad, a meeting was held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr residence between President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari, attended by delegations from both countries.

During the talks, the leaders discussed the current state and prospective directions for expanding multifaceted cooperation, as well as strengthening friendship and strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and Pakistan.

At the start of the meeting, Asif Ali Zardari congratulated Shavkat Mirziyoyev on the successful outcomes of the first session of the Strategic Cooperation Council, emphasizing the historic significance of the visit in giving new momentum to bilateral relations.

The leaders highly appreciated the large-scale socio-economic reforms underway in Uzbekistan under the Development Strategy – 2030, noting active contacts at all levels, sustained growth in trade turnover, and an increasing number of joint ventures.

Special attention was given to implementing cooperative projects in priority economic sectors and preparations for the Islamabad summit, including the Intergovernmental Commission session and political consultations.

The need to further expand practical cooperation, strengthen political dialogue, develop trade, economic, and investment ties, and intensify business exchanges was highlighted. In particular, measures to increase bilateral trade volume to US$2 billion in the near future were discussed.

The sides also focused on enhancing interregional cooperation, agreeing to hold the first Forum of Regions this year in the city of Khiva.

Coordination and collaboration within international organizations were reviewed, and mutual support and alignment on key regional and global issues were reaffirmed.

Additionally, both parties confirmed their commitment to further cultural and humanitarian exchanges, as well as joint projects in education, ecology, sports, and other areas. The meeting concluded with Shavkat Mirziyoyev inviting Asif Ali Zardari to visit Uzbekistan.