Mirziyoyev and Shahbaz Sharif discuss key bilateral issues

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif held high-level talks in a narrow format and with the participation of official delegations. According to the press service of the President, the discussions covered various aspects of strengthening the Uzbek-Pakistani strategic partnership, with both leaders expressing satisfaction over the rapid development of multifaceted cooperation in recent years.  

A key focus of the talks was expanding trade and economic cooperation. The leaders emphasized the importance of coordinated measures to increase bilateral trade turnover to $2 billion in line with the adopted "road map." Priorities included expanding the list of goods covered under the preferential trade agreement, simplifying phytosanitary and quarantine requirements, streamlining customs procedures, harmonizing standards, integrating electronic trading platforms, enabling mutual participation in procurement processes, and improving interbank settlement mechanisms.  

Additionally, discussions explored cooperation projects involving leading companies in pharmaceuticals, electrical engineering, agricultural machinery, geology and mineral resources, as well as the textile and leather industries. To enhance business and cultural ties between regions, President Mirziyoyev proposed hosting a regional cooperation forum between Uzbekistan and Pakistan in Uzbekistan.  

Strengthening transport connectivity and maximizing transit potential was another key topic. The leaders noted a fivefold increase in cargo transportation via the "Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan" multimodal corridor in recent years. They agreed to establish a joint transport and logistics company to further boost trade volumes. Furthermore, they underscored the importance of joint efforts to advance the construction of the Trans-Afghan Railway.  

To institutionalize and enhance cooperation, both sides agreed to hold the next meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission in Lahore in July 2024. Additionally, they decided to establish a High-Level Strategic Partnership Council and convene its first meeting in 2026. A joint "road map" will be developed and approved to ensure the timely implementation of agreements reached during the negotiations.  

It is worth recalling that on February 25, at the invitation of President Mirziyoyev, Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif arrived in Tashkent on an official visit. On February 26, a formal welcoming ceremony was held at the International Congress Center in Tashkent.