Pakistan, Uzbekistan sign four accords

Regional connectivity, economy and trade on top of agenda

TASHKENT:

Pakistan and Uzbekistan signed four accords on Tuesday to strengthen bilateral cooperation in economy, trade and foreign affairs.

The signing ceremony was held at Kuksaroy Presidential Palace in Tashkent, where Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Uzbek President Islam Karimov were also present. Premier Nawaz is on a two-day official visit to Uzbekistan along with a high-level delegation in an effort to deepen Pakistan’s engagement with Central Asian states.



During the ceremony, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan and Uzbek Economic Affairs and Investment Ministry to enhance bilateral trade.

The foreign affairs ministries of both the countries signed a protocol to enhance cooperation between the two ministries. Another protocol was agreed between two countries for establishing an inter-government arrangement to avoid double taxation.

The two sides also agreed to strengthen their ties by enhancing bilateral trade and improving connectivity in the region which could guarantee regional development.

Addressing a joint press stakeout after the signing of these agreements, Premier Nawaz and President Karimov expressed satisfaction over the current bilateral ties between Islamabad and Tashkent and stressed the need for harnessing the full potential in various spheres.



Afghan peace

Speaking at a banquet hosted by the Uzbek president, Premier Nawaz said peace in Afghanistan was inevitable for peace and stability in the region. He added that Pakistan wanted to maintain friendly ties with all countries, including India and Afghanistan.

Referring to various steps taken by his government against extremism and terrorism, he said Pakistan had launched Operation Zarb-e-Azb, which was now bearing fruit as the law and order situation had improved considerably.

He said matters of mutual interest, including cooperation in economy, energy and other sectors, were discussed during his meeting with the Uzbek president. He added that cooperation was also required in the fields of climate change, agriculture, and science and technology.



Giving the example of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Nawaz said his government wanted to build an energy infrastructure corridor to enhance connectivity with the Central Asian states also.

The premier thanked the Uzbek government and its people for the hospitality shown to him and his delegation. He said both the countries were bound with the affinities of culture, faith and customs and stressed sustaining these ties effectively through bolstering cooperation.

In his address, President Karimov said Pakistan was an important player in the region as well as the world owing to its geographical and geopolitical location.

He stressed the need for coordinated efforts and cooperation to tackle the challenge of terrorism. “Those misusing the name of Islam for terrorism have nothing to do with Islam, which teaches peace, tolerance and brotherhood,” he said.


Published in The Express Tribune, November 18^th, 2015.