Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 4 March, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Arif Alvi, in Islamabad.

The Presidents warmly greeted each other and expressed satisfaction with the comprehensive development of strategic partnership between the two countries.

The historical significance of the current state visit of the President of Uzbekistan to Pakistan, which will give a powerful new impetus to further deepen the interaction, was emphasized.

In 2022, the two countries will celebrate a significant date – the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Over the years, high-level political dialogue and cooperation have been achieved.

There is a steady growth in trade turnover. Last year, despite the pandemic, it grew by more than 50 percent.

The Presidents discussed issues of enhancing trade, economic and investment collaboration.

The heads of state welcomed the agreements reached during the state visit to Pakistan. The existing huge potential for building up interaction, in particular, in the humanitarian sphere, was noted.

The President of Uzbekistan drew attention to the consonance of the initiatives of Uzbekistan and Pakistan in science, education, high technology and youth policy with the goals of Uzbekistan to create the foundation for the Third Renaissance.

The readiness to comprehensively develop this area of the partnership was confirmed. The President of Uzbekistan proposed using the platform of the OIC Standing Committee for Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTEC) for regular scientific and practical events in astronomy, astrophysics, physics, mathematics, virology and robotics.

Views were also exchanged on issues of the regional and international agenda of mutual interest. The main attention was paid to aspects of regional security and the situation in Afghanistan.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev thanked Arif Alvi for the warm welcome, expressed sincere congratulations and best wishes on the upcoming national holiday – Pakistan Day and invited to visit Uzbekistan at any convenient time.

The meeting was held in a warm and friendly atmosphere. The parties reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening multifaceted relations.

Thereupon, the state visit of the President of Uzbekistan to Pakistan ended. Shavkat Mirziyoyev departed for Tashkent.