Pakistan, Uzbekistan ink multiple accords to bolster bilateral ties

• Pacts signed in defence, education, and industry fields.
• PM Shehbaz, President Mirziyoyev hold delegation-level talks.
• Uzbek president visits GIDS, reviews defence products.

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Pakistan and Uzbekistan on Thursday signed multiple agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) to deepen bilateral cooperation, marking a significant push to expand collaboration in trade, defence, education, and other fields.

The agreements were signed during Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s visit to Pakistan, reflecting a shared resolve to elevate the relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

A ceremony was held at the Prime Minister’s House where the wide-ranging pacts were formally signed in the presence of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Mirziyoyev.

The event was also attended by ministers and senior officials from both sides.

The accords were signed between the two countries in diverse fields, including defence, agriculture, trade, industry, culture, education, disaster management, pharmaceuticals, and more.

• Exchange of MoU between the foreign ministries of both countries to enhance diplomatic cooperation
• Protocol exchanged to expand the list of goods under the Preferential Trade Agreement
• Agreement reached on the establishment of an Inter-Regional Forum between the two countries
• Action plan finalised for cooperation in the defence sector
• MoU exchanged on cooperation in climate change mitigation and disaster management
• Agreement on food security and MoU for collaboration in agricultural research
• Protocol agreed for cooperation in the field of plant protection
• MoU exchanged to promote cooperation in the field of sports
• Agreement concluded to curb the smuggling of narcotics and illicit drugs
• Document exchanged to enhance cooperation in mining and bracklysciences
• Agreement signed on the transfer of convicted persons between the two states
• MoU exchanged to expand cooperation in information technology
• Agreement finalised on science, education and preservation of cultural heritage and research
• MoU exchanged to facilitate cooperation in the maritime sector and trade facilitation
• MoU signed for collaboration in the pharmaceutical sector
• Agreement reached to enhance cooperation in the textile industry
• MoU exchanged for the development of small and medium-sized enterprises
• Agreement signed to expand cooperation in the cultural sector

Addressing the signing ceremony, PM Shehbaz said that he was delighted over the visit of the Uzbek president and his delegation to Pakistan and congratulated President Mirziyoyev on being awarded the honorary professorship and doctorate degrees.

He also extended congratulations to the Uzbek leader on receiving Pakistan’s highest civil award, Nishan-e-Pakistan. PM Shehbaz remarked that the conferment of Nishan-e-Pakistan reflects the close fraternal relations between the two countries.

The premier said the role of the visiting president in strengthening bilateral ties was highly valued by Pakistan, adding that relations between Pakistan and Uzbekistan had grown steadily stronger with the passage of time.

He noted that historical bonds were a testament to the close relationship and the bright future of both nations.

He stated that he had co-chaired the inaugural meeting of the high-level strategic cooperation council and reaffirmed his full commitment to cooperation aimed at promoting regional connectivity.

The prime minister described the protocol for increasing bilateral trade as an important milestone for economic cooperation.

Emphasising the way forward, he stressed the need to benefit from opportunities in information technology, agriculture, textile and other sectors, adding that new avenues of cooperation would be explored under the five-year joint action plan.

He further said that meetings would be held on a quarterly basis to review progress on the working plan.

Speaking on the occasion, President Mirziyoyev expressed gratitude to PM Shehbaz for the warm reception and gracious hospitality extended to him and his delegation.

The president said that both countries would achieve new milestones through cooperation in education, science and technology.

He said detailed discussions had been held on various aspects of bilateral relations, including trade, investment and overall economic cooperation. 

He noted that as a result of constructive dialogue, the two sides had signed a protocol aimed at increasing bilateral trade volume.

Describing Pakistan as a close friend and reliable partner, the Uzbek president appreciated the efforts of PM Shehbaz for economic stability and development, saying his leadership and initiatives were commendable.

$2bn bilateral trade

The accords’ signing ceremony was followed by a one-on-one meeting between PM Shehbaz and Uzbek President Mirziyoyev and delegation-level talks between the two sides.

During the talks, leaders highlighted the positive trajectory of relations marked by common historical, religious and cultural affinities, the PM’s Office said.

Their discussions covered the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, with special focus on trade and investment, regional connectivity, education and cultural exchanges. Views were also exchanged on regional and global issues of mutual interest and concern.

The two leaders expressed satisfaction over the growing high-level interactions and regular meetings of the bilateral institutional mechanism in diverse sectors.

On regional connectivity, the two leaders appreciated ongoing efforts to enhance road, rail, air and maritime cooperation. Both sides agreed that the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) Railway Project is the key driver of regional connectivity between Central Asia and Pakistani seaports.

Underlining the multidimensional cooperation between Pakistan and Uzbekistan, the two leaders agreed to enhance further mutually beneficial cooperation in the areas of mining, energy, defence, tourism, education, and culture.

The two leaders also reiterated their commitment to enhancing bilateral trade up to $2 billion.

After the official talks, the two leaders unveiled the plaques of Tashkent Street and Babur Park in Islamabad.

At the agreements and MoUs signing and exchange ceremony, the two leaders signed the joint declaration on the outcomes of President Mirziyoyev’s state visit to Pakistan.

In recognition of the exceptional contributions of President Mirziyoyev towards strengthening Pakistan-Uzbekistan bilateral relations and his efforts for promoting peace and development in the region, the prime minister conferred honorary Doctorate of Philosophy and a Certificate of Honorary Professor of the National University of Science and Technology (Nust) upon the Uzbek leader.

Earlier, President Mirziyoyev received a warm welcome upon his arrival at the PM’s House, where he was greeted by PM Shehbaz at the entrance for the formal reception.

A smartly attired contingent from the three services of the Pakistan Armed Forces presented a guard of honour, which President Mirziyoyev reviewed, marking the ceremonial start of his visit.

Uzbek president visits GIDS

Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, along with senior ministers, paid an official visit to Global Industrial & Defence Solutions (GIDS) as part of his visit to Pakistan, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir warmly received the Uzbek president and the delegation and conducted them during the visit to the facility.

The president was briefed on the diverse portfolio of GIDS encompassing advanced defence solutions, industrial capabilities, and technological innovations.

The delegation toured key facilities and witnessed various defence products reflecting Pakistan’s growing expertise in indigenous defence production and industrial development.

The visit underscored the shared commitment of Pakistan and Uzbekistan to deepen collaboration in defence, technology, and industrial sectors.

Both sides emphasised the importance of enhancing partnerships, knowledge exchange and joint ventures, the military’s media wing said.

“The visit marked a significant step toward strengthening bilateral ties and exploring multifarious avenues of cooperation between Pakistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan,” it concluded.