Islamabad: Uzbekistan and Pakistan have agreed to significantly expand bilateral cooperation and raise trade volume to $2 billion, following high-level talks during Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s state visit to Pakistan.
President Mirziyoyev arrived in Islamabad on February 5, where his aircraft was escorted by Pakistan Air Force fighter jets, underscoring the growing strategic partnership between the two countries. He was received at Nur Khan Airbase by President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and senior Pakistani officials.
Defense and Strategic Cooperation Strengthened
Soon after his arrival, President Mirziyoyev visited the headquarters of Global Industrial & Defence Solutions, holding talks with Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir. The discussions focused on enhancing military and military-technical cooperation, including collaboration between defense industries, expanded training programs, joint military exercises, and the exchange of operational experience.
Both sides agreed to develop a formal roadmap for defense cooperation, signaling a long-term commitment to strategic engagement.
High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council Convenes
President Mirziyoyev later held one-on-one talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and co-chaired the inaugural meeting of the Uzbekistan-Pakistan High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council. Discussions centered on implementing existing agreements and expanding cooperation across political, economic, and humanitarian sectors.
At the start of the meeting, the Uzbek president extended greetings ahead of Ramadan and Pakistan Day, highlighting the cultural and religious bonds between the two nations.
Trade, Investment, and Economic Growth
Economic cooperation featured prominently during the talks. Bilateral trade reached nearly $500 million by the end of last year, while around 230 Pakistani-capital companies are currently operating in Uzbekistan. Joint ventures are active in textiles, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, agriculture, and manufacturing, supported by improving air connectivity and banking ties.
Both leaders agreed to set a $2 billion bilateral trade target, with concrete measures including:
Expansion of goods under the Preferential Trade Agreement
Easing phytosanitary requirements for Uzbek agricultural exports
Increased utilization of Uzbek trade houses in Lahore and Karachi
Officials confirmed that a joint project portfolio worth nearly $3.5 billion has already been developed. An Uzbek industrial products exhibition is also being held in Islamabad as part of the visit.
Regional Connectivity and Transport Corridors
Transport and logistics cooperation was identified as a strategic priority. Both sides emphasized advancing the Trans-Afghan railway project and supporting the Pakistan–China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan transport corridor, which aims to enhance regional trade and connectivity between Central and South Asia.
The leaders also agreed to establish an Uzbek-Pakistani Forum of Regions, with the inaugural session scheduled later this year in Khorezm, Uzbekistan.
Cultural and People-to-People Ties
Cultural cooperation will be expanded through the hosting of Uzbekistan Culture Weeks and Uzbek Cinema Days in Pakistan. Discussions are also underway to establish a joint cultural center in Lahore, focusing on the shared Baburid heritage.
Agreements Signed, Invitation Extended
The visit concluded with the signing of a Joint Declaration and multiple agreements covering diplomacy, trade, defense, transport, agriculture, digital technologies, culture, security, and regional cooperation.
President Mirziyoyev also invited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to pay a return visit to Uzbekistan, reinforcing the momentum toward a deeper and more comprehensive partnership.
