By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan and Uzbekistan agreed to expand cooperation across trade, security, connectivity, culture, and regional diplomacy after Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev concluded a two-day state visit to Islamabad, resulting in a comprehensive 36-point joint declaration aimed at elevating bilateral ties.

President Mirziyoyev visited Pakistan on February 5–6 at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The two leaders held wide-ranging discussions covering the full spectrum of relations and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening sovereignty, territorial integrity, and sustainable development while advancing long-term national interests.

Both sides reviewed progress in their strategic partnership and pledged to deepen political dialogue, enhance economic collaboration, and promote people-to-people contacts. Officials highlighted more than three decades of diplomatic relations anchored in historical, cultural, and spiritual connections between the two nations.

Focus on connectivity and trade

A key outcome of the visit was renewed support for regional connectivity projects, particularly the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) railway, viewed as vital for boosting transit trade and economic integration. The two countries endorsed the Termiz-Kharlachi route and agreed to jointly finance a feasibility study.

Pakistan also reaffirmed its readiness to provide Uzbekistan access to its seaports and road infrastructure to facilitate trade. Leaders reiterated their goal of increasing bilateral trade to $2 billion by 2029 and agreed to establish jointly managed industrial zones to promote exports to third markets, including Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States.

The sides welcomed progress on expanding the Preferential Trade Agreement, signing a Bilateral Investment Treaty, and exploring cooperation in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, textiles, agriculture, minerals, and engineering goods.

Security and defense cooperation

Pakistan and Uzbekistan expressed readiness to expand collaboration between law enforcement agencies to combat terrorism, extremism, separatism, and drug trafficking. The leaders also agreed to continue joint military exercises, professional training, and institutional exchanges.

Both countries stressed that peace and stability in Afghanistan are essential for regional prosperity and called for concrete actions to eliminate terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory.

Cultural, educational, and tourism ties

Emphasizing shared civilizational links rooted in the Silk Road, the two nations committed to strengthening cultural partnerships, preserving heritage, and expanding academic cooperation. Agreements were reached to promote tourism through direct flights, joint marketing initiatives, and increased exchanges among media professionals, researchers, and tour operators.

The leaders also welcomed an agreement focused on preserving the scientific and architectural heritage of the Baburid era, describing it as a step toward deepening historical cooperation.

Coordination on global issues

Pakistan and Uzbekistan pledged closer coordination at multilateral forums, reaffirming their commitment to the UN Charter and international law. Tashkent expressed support for Pakistan’s leadership roles in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Economic Cooperation Organization, while Islamabad backed Uzbekistan’s bid to join the World Trade Organization.

Both sides reiterated support for Palestinian self-determination and emphasized dialogue as the path to resolving regional disputes.

Honors and ceremonial engagements

During the visit, President Asif Ali Zardari conferred Pakistan’s highest civilian award, the Nishan-e-Pakistan, on President Mirziyoyev at a special investiture ceremony attended by Prime Minister Sharif. In a separate event, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar presented the Uzbek leader with a commemorative photo album.

President Mirziyoyev thanked Pakistan’s leadership and people for their hospitality and invited Prime Minister Sharif to visit Uzbekistan, an invitation the Pakistani premier accepted.

Officials from both countries said the agreements and understandings reached during the visit are expected to further strengthen the strategic partnership and open new avenues for economic and regional cooperation.