Pakistan wants enhanced cooperation with Uzbekistan: Nawaz

PM says it is the corner stone of Pakistan’s foreign policy to have strong relations with Central Asian states

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said his government is keen to enhance connectivity in the region and wants to increase cooperation with Uzbekistan.

In a meeting with Uzbek President Islam Karimov in Tashkent on Tuesday, Nawaz said it was the corner stone of Pakistan’s foreign policy to have strong relations with Central Asian states.



Emphasising on the significance of regional connectivity and integration, the prime minister said, “The launch of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, connecting Central Asia with our port facilities and our accession to TIR convention and WTO trade facilitation agreement should all help in better integrating the region.”

PM Nawaz is on a two-day official visit to the Central Asian country where bilateral relations, security concerns will be discussed.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif during a meeting with Uzbek President Islam Karimov in Tashkent on November 17, 2015. PHOTO: PID

The premier stressed his country was grateful to Uzbekistan for its support to Pakistan’s bid for full membership of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

Various MoUs were also signed, which would be helpful in cooperation between the two countries, Radio Pakistan reported.

Finance ministers of both the two countries have also signed a protocol to avoid double taxation and increase the bilateral cooperation.

Earlier, the prime minister arrived in Uzbekistan on Tuesday for a two-day visit.



Pakistan and Uzbekistan collaborate closely on multilateral forums, including UN, OIC, ECO, and SCO, as both share similar views on major regional and international issues.

Talks between the two sides will focus on enhancing cooperation in different fields, including energy, trade, culture, regional connectivity, tourism and people-to-people contacts.