Tashkent (Web Desk/Agencies): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Tashkent on Tuesday for a two-day official visit, upon the invitation of Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
He was warmly welcomed at the airport by Uzbekistan’s Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov, the Mayor of Tashkent Shavkat Umurzakov, Ambassador Alisher Takhitayev, and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Uzbekistan Ahmed Farooq, along with senior officials from both governments.
A smartly turned-out contingent of the Uzbek armed forces presented the static salute to the prime minister.
Accompanied by a high-level delegation, the prime minister laid a floral wreath at the monument, a symbol of Uzbekistan’s rich history and its journey toward sovereignty.
He also expressed his admiration for Uzbekistan’s progress and resilience, drawing parallels with Pakistan’s own struggle for independence and development.
“The Independence Monument stands as a testament to the courage and determination of the Uzbek people. Pakistan and Uzbekistan share a common vision for peace, prosperity, and regional connectivity. This visit is a reminder of our shared values and the need to work together for a brighter future,” the press release issued by PM office quoted the prime minister as saying.
On the occasion, the prime minister was also given a tour and briefing on the monument’s woodwork, depicting Uzbekistan’s 3,000-year history and its heroes.
During his visit, the prime minister will hold a bilateral meeting with the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
The discussions will focus on enhancing cooperation between Uzbekistan and Pakistan in regional connectivity, trade, investment, energy, defense, security, regional stability, and education.
The two leaders will also exchange views on global and regional issues of mutual interest.
Both sides will also sign Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements on bilateral cooperation.
He will address a Pakistan-Uzbekistan Business Forum aimed at boosting bilateral trade and investment ties.
Besides, he will visit the Techno Park in Tashkent to observe Uzbekistan’s construction industry.
The prime minister's delegation includes Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, Minister for Investment and Privatization Abdul Aleem Khan, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant to the PM Tariq Fatemi.
Earlier, PM Shehbaz left for Tashkent after completing his two-day official visit to Azerbaijan.
First Deputy Prime Minister Yaqub Abdulla Oglu Eyyubov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Yalchin Rafiyev, Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Pakistan Khazar Farhadov, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan Qasim Mohiuddin and other senior diplomatic and government officials saw off the prime minister and his delegation at the airport.
During the two-day visit to Baku, PM Shehbaz held a bilateral meeting and delegation-level talks with President Ilham Aliyev wherein the two sides finalised the matters for Baku’s $2 billion investment in Pakistan.
He also addressed a Pakistan-Azerbaijan Business Forum besides visiting a Victory Monument to pay tribute to the martyrs and heroes of the 44-day Nagorno-Karabakh war.