President of Uzbekistan and Prime Minister of Pakistan Praise Results of Productive Talks

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Following the first meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council in Islamabad, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif delivered joint statements to the media.

In his address, the President of Uzbekistan thanked his Pakistani counterpart for the invitation for a state visit and emphasized the productivity of the negotiations. Particular attention was given to the strategic importance of Pakistan as a reliable partner of Uzbekistan. The President noted that his country highly values the comprehensive reforms implemented under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership, aimed at improving citizens’ well-being, accelerating economic growth, and strengthening Pakistan’s international standing.

It was highlighted that the visit takes place during the fifth anniversary of the establishment of Uzbekistan–Pakistan strategic partnership. Over the past five years, bilateral trade has increased 2.5 times, and the number of joint enterprises and projects has nearly tripled. The two sides set a target to raise trade turnover to 2 billion dollars and compiled a portfolio of prospective trade and investment agreements totaling 3.5 billion dollars. During the visit, a Joint Declaration and approximately 30 documents covering key areas of bilateral cooperation were signed.

President Mirziyoyev emphasized the mutual commitment to enhancing regional connectivity across Central and South Asia, strengthening cooperation within international and regional organizations, and expressed appreciation to Pakistan for its active support of Uzbekistan’s accession to the World Trade Organization. The efforts of Pakistan as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 2025–2026 to ensure global peace and stability were highly praised.

During the meetings, the sides agreed to expand cooperation in the pharmaceutical, light, electrical, mining, and food industries, as well as in agriculture. Special attention was given to the development of transport and logistics links and the creation of favorable conditions for the business community. To enhance interregional cooperation, it was decided to hold the first Regional Forum in Uzbekistan this year. Plans were also made to organize cultural weeks and film festivals, along with joint initiatives to study and promote the scientific and educational heritage of great thinkers.

The President also expressed gratitude for naming one of Islamabad’s streets “Tashkent” and announced the establishment of a park in the Pakistani capital named after the eminent statesman and poet Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur, which will be presented as a gift to the Pakistani people in honor of the upcoming Independence Day celebrations.

President Mirziyoyev thanked the Pakistani side for awarding him the titles of Honorary Doctor and Professor of Pakistan’s National University of Sciences and Technology. Concluding his remarks, he congratulated the people of Pakistan on the forthcoming Pakistan Day and the approaching holy month of Ramadan.