Pakistan, Uzbekistan agree to expand bilateral ties

Both sides discuss progress on the Trans-Afghan railway project between Pakistan, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan

Pakistan and Uzbekistan agreed on Saturday to expand bilateral cooperation and understanding in diverse fields and to keep-up the momentum of recent high-level exchanges.

The understanding was reached during the inaugural round of Pakistan-Uzbekistan Bilateral Political Consultations which was held virtually between the two sides.

Both countries exchanged their views on bilateral relations including political, economic and trade, culture, people-to-people exchanges, regional connectivity, defence and security and regional as well as global issues.

Both sides also expressed satisfaction with the positive momentum in high-level visits and interactions, including the visit of the Uzbek foreign minister to Pakistan and the virtual summit between Prime Minister Imran Khan and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Islamabad and Tashkent also discussed progress on the Trans-Afghan railway project between Pakistan, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan and underlined the convergence of views in ensuring security, stability and lasting peace in Afghanistan through an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process.

Earlier in June, it was reported PM Imran would visit Uzbekistan in July this year to enhance bilateral trade and economic ties.

Besides offering business opportunities, Uzbekistan will also prove to be a gateway for Pakistan to other Central Asian countries.

In return, Pakistan can offer its seaport to the landlocked country for trade. Adviser to Prime Minister on Commerce, Textile, Industries, Production and Investment Abdul Razak Dawood will also accompany the premier during the trip.

“It has been an eventful year for Pakistan and Uzbekistan’s trade relations,” Dawood said in remarks made to The Express Tribune. The current momentum of trade and economic relations would go a long way in cementing bilateral ties for the benefit of both countries, said Dawood.

He stressed that Uzbekistan could become Pakistan’s gateway to Central Asia as it shared borders with Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan.

According to him, the improvement in bilateral trade relations with Tashkent can enhance Pakistan’s exports to the Central Asian region, which has a trade potential of $90 billion.