ISLAMABAD: Acting President Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Monday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening ties with Uzbekistan, emphasizing that both countries would continue active cooperation in political, economic, and parliamentary domains.
He made the remarks during a meeting with Nuriddin Muydinkhonovich Ismoilov, Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of Uzbekistan’s Oliy Majlis, at the Presidency. According to a statement issued by the Presidency, the two sides held detailed discussions on enhancing bilateral relations, regional connectivity, economic collaboration, and parliamentary linkages.
Highlighting the deep-rooted historical, cultural, and religious ties between the two nations, Gilani described Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to Tashkent as a “turning point” in bilateral relations. The visit saw the signing of 10 agreements and memoranda of understanding, alongside the decision to establish a High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council.
Gilani recalled that a bilateral roadmap was signed earlier in June 2025 during the 51st OIC Foreign Ministers’ meeting and reiterated his intention to invite Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Islamabad in the near future.
The meeting also welcomed the resumption of direct flights between Lahore and Tashkent and the commencement of weekly flights between Islamabad and the Uzbek capital, viewing these as crucial steps toward boosting connectivity.
“Parliamentary cooperation is an important pillar of bilateral relations,” Gilani noted, citing the role of parliamentary friendship groups in both countries. He added that his visit to Uzbekistan in April this year had yielded “fruitful engagements” with the top leadership, laying the groundwork for closer parliamentary collaboration.
On the economic front, Gilani pointed out that bilateral trade had risen significantly, from $27 million to $111 million, and both sides had set a target of expanding trade volume to $2 billion within the next four years.
He further stressed the importance of the Trans-Afghan Railway Project, calling it a transformative initiative for enhancing regional trade and connectivity. “The successful completion of this project will usher in a new era of economic integration and prosperity across the region,” the acting president said.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace, Gilani underscored that parliamentary cooperation, economic partnerships, and strategic projects would serve as the foundation for a stronger Pakistan-Uzbekistan partnership.
