Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Shahbaz Sharif address the media

Uzbekistan and Pakistan share similar positions on the peaceful development of Afghanistan and a diplomatic resolution to the Palestinian issue. This was stated today, February 26, by the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shahbaz Sharif, during their meeting with media representatives.  

At the beginning of his speech, President Mirziyoyev described the discussions as productive and emphasized that this historic visit "opens a new chapter in the Uzbek-Pakistani strategic partnership."  

He highlighted the rapid progress in bilateral cooperation in recent years, noting that trade turnover has surpassed $400 million, 130 joint ventures have been established, and trading houses have opened in Karachi and Tashkent. Air flights between Tashkent and Lahore have also been restored.  

The intergovernmental commission is working effectively, while political consultations, business forums, and the Uzbekistan Industrial Exhibition have been successfully held.  

“These days, an influential delegation of leading Pakistani companies is in our capital. Today, we will hold a separate meeting with business representatives and discuss joint plans,” said Mirziyoyev.  

During the high-level negotiations, both sides identified new areas for expanded cooperation and agreed to establish a High-Level Strategic Partnership Council.  

“The issues of sharply increasing trade volume, expanding the range of goods exchanged, strengthening industrial cooperation, developing transport interconnection, and creating a favorable business environment were in focus,” the presidential press service reported.  

Additionally, the importance of joint projects in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, agricultural engineering, geology, mineral resources, textiles, and the leather industry was emphasized, with plans to export finished products to third-country markets.  

Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration within global and regional organizations, including the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.  

“It was emphasized that the positions on the peaceful development of Afghanistan and the diplomatic settlement of the Palestinian issue are closely aligned,” the report noted.  

Uzbekistan and Pakistan also expressed their shared interest in expanding security cooperation, including counterterrorism efforts, combating transnational crime, and addressing drug trafficking.  

The discussions also focused on strengthening cultural, humanitarian, and tourism exchanges. Agreements were reached on the mutual organization of cultural and art festivals, as well as increasing tourist flows, particularly under the “Umra Plus” program.  

To ensure the effective implementation of these agreements, both governments will adopt “a comprehensive road map for their timely execution.”