Shehbaz Sharif Meets Uzbek President, Reaffirms Commitment to Increase Bilateral Trade to $2 Billion
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, where both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to increasing bilateral trade between Pakistan and Uzbekistan to $2 billion by 2029.
The two leaders also agreed to accelerate progress on the Trans-Afghan Railway project, which is aimed at strengthening regional connectivity and linking Central and South Asia.
The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan, Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, among other officials.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed opportunities to expand cooperation in several key sectors, including industry, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, textiles, mining, digital technology and security.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated President Mirziyoyev and the people of Uzbekistan on the country’s 35th Independence Anniversary. He said that the Strategic Partnership Council between the two countries had provided fresh momentum to bilateral relations and cooperation.
The prime minister emphasized the need for effective implementation of decisions related to trade, investment and economic cooperation. He said that the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway project could play a key role in connecting Central and South Asia and promoting regional trade and economic activity.
Shehbaz Sharif stressed the importance of making early progress on the joint feasibility study for the railway project. He noted that improved regional connectivity could open new opportunities for trade, investment and economic cooperation among the participating countries.
The two sides also discussed enhancing air connectivity, particularly the possibility of establishing direct flights between Tashkent and Karachi to facilitate business, tourism and people-to-people contacts.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also appreciated Uzbekistan’s support for Pakistan’s upcoming chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to further strengthening the strategic partnership between Pakistan and Uzbekistan and expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
