Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif held negotiations first in a restricted format, followed by expanded discussions with the participation of official delegations from both countries.

The talks focused on a wide range of issues aimed at further strengthening the strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and Pakistan.

At the start of the meeting, Shehbaz Sharif expressed sincere gratitude to the President of Uzbekistan for the warm and hospitable reception. Both leaders noted with satisfaction the positive momentum in bilateral cooperation, which has expanded significantly in recent years.

Political dialogue between the two nations continues to develop dynamically, with interparliamentary and intergovernmental ties growing stronger. In 2024, bilateral trade exceeded $400 million, while the number of joint ventures reached 130. A key milestone in trade and economic cooperation was the opening of trade houses in Karachi and Tashkent, along with the resumption of direct flights between Tashkent and Lahore. Additionally, significant initiatives were implemented within the framework of the Intergovernmental Commission, business forums, and Uzbekistan’s national industrial exhibition.

A central topic of discussion was the expansion of trade and economic cooperation. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to increasing bilateral trade to $2 billion, in line with the adopted "roadmap". Priority areas identified for achieving this goal include diversifying the range of traded goods under the Preferential Trade Agreement, simplifying phytosanitary and customs procedures, harmonizing standards, integrating e-commerce platforms, expanding access to public procurement, and improving interbank payment mechanisms.

Discussions also covered the plans of leading companies from both countries to implement joint projects in pharmaceuticals, electrical engineering, the agro-industrial complex, agricultural machinery, geology, the textile and leather industries, and mineral resource extraction.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev proposed organizing a Forum of Regions of the two countries to promote business and cultural ties at the regional level.

A key focus of the talks was on transport connectivity and expanding transit potential. It was noted that in recent years, cargo transportation along the multimodal corridor "Uzbekistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan" has increased fivefold. To further boost trade turnover, the parties agreed to establish a joint transport and logistics company. The leaders also emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts to advance the construction of the Trans-Afghan railway project.

Another significant outcome of the meeting was the agreement to hold the next session of the Intergovernmental Commission in July this year in Lahore.

Both sides also expressed their commitment to enhancing cultural, humanitarian, and tourism exchanges. In this regard, it was agreed to organize reciprocal Culture Weeks and tourism program presentations, aimed at strengthening ties between the peoples of the two nations.

The talks also included an exchange of views on key international and regional issues. The leaders reaffirmed their mutual support within the framework of the UN, the Non-Aligned Movement, the OIC, the SCO, and other international organizations. Special attention was given to the need for joint efforts in combating terrorism, radicalism, Islamophobia, and other global security challenges.

To further deepen strategic cooperation, the two sides agreed to establish a High Council for Strategic Partnership, with its first meeting set to take place next year.

As a result of the negotiations, it was decided to develop and approve a joint "roadmap" to ensure the timely implementation of agreements and commitments reached during the discussions.