Pakistan, Uzbekistan discuss ways to boost trade

Qureshi, counterpart say no military solution to Afghan war

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Uzbekistan on Thursday discussed a comprehensive roadmap for boosting their bilateral trade, investment and economic cooperation and agreed to continue their dialogue for closer collaboration in all areas.

Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulaziz Kamilov and his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi in a press stakeout at the conclusion of their bilateral talks at the Foreign Office were unanimous in their views that peace and stability in the region was vital for progress and development of their peoples.

Qureshi mentioned the letter of the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, to Prime Minister Imran Khan and said it gave a new direction to their ties and paved the way for "very meaningful engagement" between the two countries, by proposing road and rail connectivity, which he said has a wide regional and international support.

He was positive that the ties between the two countries would get a further boost in the days ahead. He said the two countries have turned a new page in their ties.

He said the two countries have a great opportunity in enhancing their bilateral ties in many new areas besides tourishm.

Abdulaziz Kamilov said the discussions focused on cooperation in trade, investment and economy, besides development projects related to road and rail communications.

He hoped greater people-to-people contacts would bring the two countries further closer.

He said the two countries were also cooperating on issues of security and said the head of Uzbekistan's National Security was also part of his delegation.

He mentioned the mutual understanding and respect shown by both the sides and said the two countries would continue cooperation in all areas.

He said Pakistan was an important country of the region and can play its part in bringing peace and stability.

The two foreign ministers were unanimous on their views on Afghanistan and stressed the need for peace and stability, and termed it vital for the progress of the region.

Qureshi said both the countries feel that there was no military solution to the issues in Afghanistan and there was a need to resolve the matter through talks.

The foreign minister of Uzbekistan, who was on his second visit to Pakistan, invited Qureshi and said the two countries can identify new areas of cooperation. APP