Tashkent: Pakistan and Uzbekistan have reached a consensus to elevate their trade volume to four billion dollars over the next four years. This agreement was forged during a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent, which was succeeded by delegation-level discussions between the two nations.

According to Radio Pakistan, the meeting was a platform for discussing the enhancement of mutual cooperation, with a focus on trade, tourism, energy, regional ties, and cultural connections. Both leaders committed to the effective implementation of the Transit Trade Agreement 2021 and the Preferential Trade Agreement 2023, expressing intent to invest in the Special Economic Zones of both countries. Additionally, they emphasized promoting cooperation between the business communities of Pakistan and Uzbekistan.

The dialogue also reiterated the importance of the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Railway project to bolster trade and regional connectivity. The promotion of tourism, particularly between Termez, Bukhara, Lahore, and Karachi, was also a key discussion point.

The leaders shared common views on global and regional affairs, stressing the role of international organizations, particularly the United Nations, in resolving international issues to achieve sustainable development and global peace and security.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the significance of strengthening historical and cultural ties between Pakistan and Uzbekistan, advocating for new avenues to enhance trade and economic cooperation. He reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to joint projects focused on regional connectivity, describing the partnership with Uzbekistan as beneficial for regional development and prosperity.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan remarked on the critical importance of mutual cooperation for regional stability and development. He commended Pakistan's economic stability and development initiatives, expressing his country's commitment to elevating the trade and economic partnership with Pakistan to new heights.