Tashkent, February 26, 2025: Pakistan and Uzbekistan signed multiple agreements on Wednesday to enhance cooperation in defense, technology, technical training, and youth empowerment. The agreements were formalized during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s two-day visit to Uzbekistan at the invitation of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Both nations also committed to expanding bilateral trade to $2 billion.
Following high-level discussions and delegation-level talks, Prime Minister Shehbaz and President Mirziyoyev witnessed the signing of several agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) across various sectors. Among these, Pakistan and Uzbekistan agreed on visa-free travel for diplomatic passport holders, as well as enhanced cooperation in military intelligence, internal affairs, and professional and technical training. The documents were exchanged between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov. An inter-government agreement was also signed to promote collaboration in scientific research, technology, and innovation, with Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and Uzbek Deputy Prime Minister Khodjayev Jamshid exchanging the relevant documents.
The two countries also formalized an agreement on media and news cooperation, signed by Pakistan’s Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and the Director-General of Uzbekistan’s National Information Agency, Kuchimov Abdusaid. Additionally, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Lahore and Tashkent, with DPM Ishaq Dar and Tashkent’s Mayor, Shavkat Umurzakov Buranovich, representing their respective cities. Another MoU was exchanged between Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s Youth Programme and Uzbekistan’s Youth Affairs Agency, with Minister Attaullah Tarar and Uzbek Director Sa’dullayev Alisher leading the process.
Speaking at a joint press conference, President Mirziyoyev welcomed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and emphasized the significance of the agreements in strengthening bilateral relations. He highlighted plans to boost trade volume and noted the benefits of direct flights between Tashkent and Lahore. The Uzbek leader also pointed out that leading Pakistani business figures were present in Uzbekistan to explore investment opportunities.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude for Uzbekistan’s hospitality and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening economic and strategic ties. Calling Uzbekistan a “reliable partner,” he invited Uzbek investors to explore business opportunities in Pakistan. He highlighted his government’s efforts in stabilizing the economy, citing a drop in inflation from 38% to 2.4% and improved investor confidence due to policy reforms. Stressing the importance of regional connectivity, he emphasized trade via rail networks and joint ventures in the minerals and tourism sectors.
The Pakistani premier also reiterated the need for Afghanistan’s interim government to prevent its territory from being used against Pakistan, emphasizing that regional peace and stability are in the collective interest. He urged Kabul’s administration to take concrete measures to curb cross-border security threats.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz was accorded a guard of honor upon his arrival at the Congress Centre in Tashkent. President Mirziyoyev personally received him, and the national anthems of both countries were played before the two leaders reviewed a military guard.
