Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized the commitment to expand economic relations between Pakistan and Uzbekistan in diverse sectors, including agriculture, pharmaceutical, textile, leather, leather shoes, tourism, and IT. He was addressing a joint press stakeout, along with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Islamabad this evening.
According to Radio Pakistan, the Prime Minister said the two sides held the inaugural meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council. This structured mechanism allows for a very bright future for both the countries and their people. Shehbaz Sharif noted that both countries are in total agreement that the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Rail project will be a game changer, not only for the partner countries but for the entire region.
The Prime Minister highlighted that both Pakistan and Uzbekistan are members of the Board of Peace. He expressed confidence that the two countries will play a role in long-lasting peace in Gaza and its reconstruction. Furthermore, he thanked the Uzbek leader for supporting the people of Kashmir in their just struggle.
Additionally, the Prime Minister extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Uzbek President on being awarded the highest civil award of Pakistan, Nishan-e-Pakistan. Speaking on the occasion, Uzbekistan President thanked the Prime Minister for extending warm hospitality to him and his delegation. He also expressed gratitude for being honored with a doctorate degree and the Nishan-e-Pakistan award.
The President announced plans to establish a NUST chair at a mining university in Uzbekistan to enhance cooperation among academia and students in the fields of research and science. Highlighting his discussions with the Pakistani side, he said the two countries have decided to enhance cooperation in areas such as security, defence, economy, trade, and investment, with a protocol signed to enhance cooperation in these domains.
The President also noted that a street in Islamabad has been named Tashkent, reflecting the close friendship between the two nations. Furthermore, he thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for accepting a suggestion to build a park named after their great ancestor Mohammed Babur in one of the areas of Islamabad.