A New Stage in Uzbekistan–Pakistan Cooperation
President Zardari Welcomes Uzbek President’s Invitation, Emphasises Strengthening Ties
ISLAMABAD:- President Asif Ali Zardari said that Pakistan attaches great significance to its close brotherly relations with Uzbekistan and underscored the importance of effective follow-up on the outcomes of the recent historic and result-oriented state visit of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Pakistan.
The President said this while talking to Mr. Alisher Tukhtaev, Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Pakistan, who called on him at Aiwan-e-Sadr and handed over a letter from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
Reflecting on the meeting, Ambassador Tukhtaev described it as productive, stating, “I held an important and constructive meeting with the esteemed President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, His Excellency Mr. Asif Ali Zardari. During the discussion, we thoroughly reviewed the outcomes of the recent historic and result-oriented state visit of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, to Pakistan, as well as practical steps to ensure the effective implementation of the agreements reached at the highest level. Particular attention was devoted to the prospects for further deepening Uzbekistan–Pakistan cooperation in key priority areas, including trade and investment, industrial cooperation, agriculture, transport connectivity, information technology, tourism, education, and humanitarian exchanges. It was emphasized that the agreements achieved at the highest level create a solid and long-term foundation for elevating Uzbekistan–Pakistan relations to a qualitatively new, practical, and forward-looking stage that serves the fundamental interests of the peoples of both countries.”
In his letter, the Uzbek President thanked President Zardari, the Government and the people of Pakistan for the extraordinary hospitality and warm welcome extended to him during his visit. He also expressed gratitude for being conferred the Nishan-e-Pakistan, Pakistan’s highest civil award, as well as the honorary professorship and doctorate.
President Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening cooperation with Uzbekistan in key sectors including food and agriculture, mining, information technology, tourism, health and banking. He welcomed Uzbekistan’s interest in importing halal meat, fruits and potatoes from Pakistan as a positive step towards enhancing bilateral trade.
President Mirziyoyev reiterated his invitation to President Zardari, earlier conveyed during their tête-à-tête. President Zardari accepted the invitation and directed the concerned authorities from the Pakistani side to coordinate with their Uzbek counterparts to finalise the visit later this year.
The President also conveyed his gratitude to President Mirziyoyev for his message of solidarity and support following the recent terrorist attack in Islamabad, and reaffirmed the shared resolve of Pakistan and Uzbekistan to continue their joint journey of peace, stability and development.
Mr. Alisher Tukhtaev informed President Zardari of Uzbekistan’s desire to develop Babar Park in the F-7 sector of Islamabad and said that a concerned Uzbek minister would visit Islamabad next week to hold discussions with Pakistani authorities regarding its construction.
