Uzbekistan's ambassador presents credentials to Pakistan's president

On October 28, Uzbekistan's newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Alisher Tukhtaev, officially presented his credentials to President Asif Ali Zardari at the Aywan-e-Sadr Palace in Islamabad, as reported by the "Dunyo" news agency.

Following the official ceremony, discussions focused on the current status and prospects of cooperation between Uzbekistan and Pakistan.

“The President of Pakistan expressed deep respect and admiration for the leader of Uzbekistan and asked him to convey his best and sincere wishes. President Asif Ali Zardari emphasized the importance of shared cultural, historical, and spiritual-educational ties, which form a solid foundation for long-term fraternal relations between Uzbekistan and Pakistan. He also acknowledged the commendable economic growth indicators of the republic and affirmed his readiness to utilize all efforts and resources to further develop bilateral relations, particularly in the areas of trade, investments, and industrial cooperation,” the report states.

The conversation highlighted the potential for increasing trade volume to USD 1 billion, with special emphasis on strengthening trade and economic relations.

“Special attention was paid to the issues of cultural-humanitarian and tourism exchange. The head of Pakistan expressed satisfaction with the simplification of the visa procedure for citizens of the country to visit Uzbekistan. It was emphasized that the direct flights between the cities of Tashkent and Lahore, planned to be restored in November of this year, will be a new impetus to increase the flow of tourists and strengthen cultural ties between the two countries,” the report states.

Alisher Tukhtaev, a graduate of the Tashkent State Law Institute, has held several prominent positions, including roles in Uzbekistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Institute of Strategic and Interregional Studies, and the Presidential Administration.

Before his recent appointment, he served as an advisor to the Foreign Minister. Tukhtaev succeeds Aybek Usmanov, who served as Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan from 2021 to 2024 and is now appointed as Ambassador to Afghanistan.