Tashkent, February 26, 2025 – The Europe Today: The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, held high-level discussions in a contracted format with the participation of official delegations. The meeting focused on enhancing and strengthening the strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and Pakistan.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended his sincere gratitude to President Mirziyoyev for the warm and hospitable welcome. Both leaders expressed great satisfaction with the dynamic development of multifaceted cooperation between their nations in recent years.
Strengthening Economic and Trade Ties
The discussions underscored the importance of active political contacts and productive inter-parliamentary and inter-agency exchanges. Trade and economic relations have witnessed remarkable progress, with trade turnover surpassing $400 million in 2024 and the establishment of 130 joint ventures. Trade houses have been inaugurated in Karachi and Tashkent, while direct flights between Tashkent and Lahore have resumed, further boosting connectivity.
The leaders emphasized the significance of coordinated measures to increase trade turnover to $2 billion, in line with the adopted roadmap. Priority initiatives include expanding the range of goods under the Preferential Trade Agreement, simplifying phytosanitary and quarantine requirements, harmonizing customs procedures and standards, integrating electronic trade platforms, accessing procurement systems, and improving interbank settlement mechanisms.
Leading companies from both countries plan to collaborate on key projects in pharmaceuticals, electrical engineering, agriculture, agricultural machinery, geology, mineral resources, textiles, leather, and other industries. To promote business and cultural ties, President Mirziyoyev proposed hosting a Forum of the Regions in Uzbekistan.
Enhancing Transport Connectivity and Regional Cooperation
A major focus of the talks was strengthening transport connectivity and unlocking transit potential. The leaders noted with satisfaction that freight volumes along the multimodal corridor “Uzbekistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan” have increased fivefold in recent years. To further expand cargo turnover, an agreement was reached to establish a joint transport and logistics company.
Additionally, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the Trans-Afghan Railway construction project, recognizing its strategic importance for regional trade and connectivity.
Cultural and Humanitarian Cooperation
The two countries also agreed to deepen cultural, humanitarian, and tourism exchanges. Plans were made to hold reciprocal Culture Weeks and tourism program presentations, fostering greater people-to-people ties. An agreement was reached to hold the next meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission in July in Lahore to further advance bilateral cooperation.
Security and Multilateral Engagement
The leaders exchanged views on key international and regional issues, emphasizing continued mutual support within the United Nations, Non-Aligned Movement, Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and Shanghai Cooperation Organization. They reaffirmed the need to unite efforts in combating terrorism, radicalism, Islamophobia, and other contemporary security challenges.
Establishing a Supreme Council of Strategic Partnership
To develop new avenues of comprehensive cooperation, President Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister Sharif agreed to establish a Supreme Council of Strategic Partnership and convene its first meeting next year.
Following the high-level negotiations, both sides decided to develop and approve a joint roadmap to ensure the timely implementation of agreements reached, solidifying their shared commitment to a stronger and more prosperous bilateral relationship.
