PM Imran and Uzbek President reiterate commitment to expanding cooperation

On the sidelines of the Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony on Saturday, Prime Minister Imran Khan met with President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and the two leaders exchanged detailed views on the entire range of bilateral relations based on shared bonds of faith, history, and culture, and marked by cordiality and close cooperation.

The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to thoroughly improve the Pakistan-Uzbekistan collaboration across the board and to continue taking tangible actions toward the completion of significant projects.

PM Imran emphasised the significance of increased trade and economic cooperation, notably via the implementation of the historic bilateral Transit Trade Agreement (UPTTA) and the completion of the Preferential Trade Agreement. He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Trans-Afghan railway project and discussed next measures in moving it forward in the coming months.

To boost connection and people-to-people relations even further, the Prime Minister emphasised the need of promoting tourism, restarting direct flights, strengthening financial linkages, and simplifying visa procedures.

The two leaders also addressed education and culture collaboration, as well as progress on cooperative research and media projects, including as a joint film on Baburi legacy and dubbing of Pakistani dramas in Uzbek.

They also discussed regional peace and stability challenges. The two parties emphasised the need of the international community continuing to provide economic and humanitarian aid to Afghanistan in order to avoid further deterioration of the situation. The two leaders agreed that a peaceful, secure, and prosperous Afghanistan was critical for regional stability as well as the fulfilment of infrastructure and connectivity projects, emphasising the importance of practical participation.

The prime minister added that the people of Pakistan were excited to welcome President Mirziyoyev on his visit to Pakistan. The two parties committed to collaborate closely to secure a concrete outcome from the visit.