Islamabad (Web Desk/Agencies): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reiterated that Pakistan is committed to working with Uzbekistan to speed up and complete all bilateral trade and connectivity projects.
The prime minister, in a meeting with Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Saidov, who is currently on a two-day visit to Pakistan, reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness to provide access to Uzbekistan to Pakistani Ports, a PM Office press release said.
He also emphasized the importance of the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Railway Project and Pakistan’s commitment to its early completion.
The two sides discussed enhanced cooperation between Pakistan and Uzbekistan in trade and economy, security and defense, connectivity and people-to-people contacts.
The importance of peace and development in Afghanistan for regional connectivity was also discussed.
Congratulating the premier on his re-election, the Uzbek foreign minister also conveyed the invitation of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev for PM Shehbaz to undertake an official visit to Uzbekistan at his earliest convenience.
The prime minister expressed his gratitude to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and said that he was looking forward to meeting him.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar expressed Pakistan's desire to enhance relations with Uzbekistan in various fields including trade and economy.
During a meeting with his Uzbek counterpart Bakhtiyor Saidov in Islamabad on Wednesday, he said that there are strong friendly relations between the two countries.
The Uzbek foreign minister said his country attaches great importance to relations with Pakistan. He said they consider Pakistan as their second home.
They also resolved to expedite efforts for early implementation of the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Railway Project.