Ashraf AboArafe
The Summit of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Imran Khan took place on April 14, via videoconference.
The agenda included the current issues of bilateral multifaceted partnership, including the development of a constructive political dialogue, the expansion of practical interaction in trade, investment, transport and transit, exchanges between regions, and the promotion of cultural and humanitarian cooperation programs.
The Leaders of the two countries exchanged sincere congratulations on the start of the holy month of Ramadan, wishing the friendly peoples peace, well-being and prosperity.
It was noted that regular contacts at various levels in recent years have contributed to the dynamic development of relations, filling them with concrete content.
Despite the pandemic, intensive exchanges continued. The trade turnover and the number of joint business projects are growing.
Partnerships are being established between the regions. In February this year, a business mission led by the Governor of the Punjab state visited Namangan region.
A strategic project for the construction of the Trans-Afghan railway is being implemented jointly.
Cooperation in education, culture and tourism is also developing.
At the meeting, the main tasks were considered and priority measures were identified to deepen the partnership and practical interaction between Uzbekistan and Pakistan. A schedule of the upcoming events has been agreed upon.
The main attention was paid to the continuation of a constructive political dialogue, inter-parliamentary ties and close contacts within the framework of international and regional structures.
An agreement was reached to take additional measures for the promotion of priority projects in transport and transit, creation of favorable conditions for increasing the trade turnover and strengthening industrial cooperation, including the adoption of an agreement on preferential trade and a roadmap for cooperation in the main sectors of the economy, holding joint business forums.
Issues of resuming air traffic between the two countries will be studied.
The leaders also dwelt on the issues of an early peaceful settlement of the situation in Afghanistan. Support was expressed for the efforts aimed at the earliest possible economic recovery of this country.
Views were also exchanged on other aspects of the international and regional agenda.
In general, current Uzbekistan – Pakistan Summit was held in a traditionally open, businesslike and friendly atmosphere.
Following the meeting, a Joint Statement was adopted. Several important documents were signed in standardization and metrology, agriculture and other areas.
