Pakistan and Uzbekistan on Thursday signed multiple accords 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 geosciences
- 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.
