Prime Minister Imran Khan has underlined Pakistan’s resolve to forge closerties with Central Asia, covering trade, investments, energy, andpeople-to-people contacts.
He was talking to Uzbekistan’s Minister for Transport Makhkamov Ilkham, whocalled on him in Islamabad.
The Prime Minister particularly highlighted the importance of joint effortsto promote regional connectivity for economic growth and development of theregion. In this regard, the Prime Minister said that Pakistani seaportsprovide a great opportunity to Central Asian States for access to theIndian Ocean.
The two sides agreed to pursue Trans-Afghan railway line project“Mazar-e-Sharif – Kabul – Peshawar.”
Imran Khan supported Uzbekistan’s efforts to secure financing for theproject by signing Joint Appeal Letter addressed to the heads of variousInternational Financial Institutions by Uzbekistan, Afghanistan andPakistan.
The Prime Minister said highlighted Pakistan’s positive contribution to theAfghan peace process and underscored that an inclusive and broad-basedpolitical solution would help establishment of durable peace and stabilityand contribute to regional connectivity progress and prosperity.
During the meeting, matters relating to bilateral relations, regionalconnectivity, and peace and security in the region were discussed.
The Prime Minister underscored Pakistan’s fraternal ties with Uzbekistanbased on common religious, historic and cultural bonds and reaffirmed thecommitment to further deepen bilateral cooperation in all spheres.
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He recalled his last meeting with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev andstated that Pakistan looks forward to his visit at the earliest convenience.
The Uzbek Minister conveyed the cordial greetings and best wishes of theUzbek President and noted that President Mirziyoyev is looking forward tovisiting Pakistan.
On behalf of President Mirziyoyev, he also reiterated the invitation to thePrime Minister to visit Uzbekistan. He also reaffirmed Uzbekistan’s desireto have deeper bilateral trade and economic ties as well as enhancedconnectivity with Pakistan.
The Minister for Railways Mr. Muhammad Azam Khan Swati and Advisor forCommerce Mr. Abdul Razak Dawood were present during the meeting.
The Uzbek Minister for Transport is on a one-day visit to Islamabad todiscuss in detail rail and road cooperation from Central Asia to Pakistaniseaports.
