Islamabad to host Central Asian leaders

ISLAMABAD:

Islamabad is set to emerge as a key diplomatic hub next week as the presidents of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan undertake separate official visits to Pakistan, reflecting the country's expanding engagement with Central Asian states.

According to official sources, the schedules and agendas for both high-level visits have been finalised. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is expected to visit Pakistan on February 3 and 4, followed by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on February 5 and 6.

During President Tokayev's visit, Pakistan and Kazakhstan are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding in the railway sector, aimed at enhancing bilateral connectivity and cooperation in transport infrastructure.

According to Uzbekistan's UzA news agency, Mirziyoyev's visit to Pakistan and the high-level talks in Islamabad will take place against the backdrop of an unprecedented intensification of bilateral political dialogue.

"The talks are aimed at the practical implementation of a key economic objective: increasing the volume of mutual trade to $2 billion in the coming years. The central element of the agenda will be the structural transformation of economic cooperation," a report said.

UzA also quoted the Uzbek Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade as saying that the Uzbekistan-Pakistan Business Forum and the "Made in Uzbekistan" Exhibition will take place in Islamabad on February 5–6.