Pakistan and Uzbekistan have reiterated to enhance the bilateral trade to two billion dollars by 2029.This resolve was expressed during interactions between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Islamabad.The Uzbekistan President paid a two-day State visit to Pakistan at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. 

According to the joint declaration on the outcomes of the State visit, both leaders reaffirmed their resolve to continue efforts to expand trade, economic relations and industrial cooperation. The two sides agreed to establish joint management of economic or industrial zones in each country. They agreed to hold the first Forum of Regions of the two countries in Uzbekistan this year at mutually agreed dates. 

Based on centuries of shared civilization and the legacy of the Great Silk Road, Pakistan and Uzbekistan reaffirmed their commitment to a transformative cultural partnership that bridges Central and South Asia. Recognizing the deep-rooted ties, they vowed to expand cooperation through joint heritage preservation, and the revitalization of linguistic links between Urdu and Uzbek.

The two leaders resolved to foster people-to-people contacts through regular cultural festivals and academic exchanges for regional peace, intellectual growth, and shared prosperity in the modern era. The leaders expressed satisfaction over sustained collaboration between national media institutions. They appreciated tangible achievements, including the implementation of the 2022 Broadcasting Agreement, content exchanges, and the ongoing joint production of the documentary "Mushtarak dillar."

It was agreed to expand partnership by prioritizing participation in the "Pearl of the Silk Road" International Film Festival and enhancing cooperation through media, including joint news bulletins, journalist exchanges and coordinated content production. Besides, the two sides expressed their readiness for maintaining regular dialogue and building constructive cooperation in the area of security and defence. 

The two leaders expressed readiness to expand cooperation between law enforcement agencies of the two countries in particular the fight against the three evils: terrorism, separatism and extremism, as well as against drug trafficking. Noting growing potential for cooperation in tourism and culture, bother leaders emphasized the importance of enhancing people-to-people contacts. The two Leaders also exchanged views on their respective regional situations including issues of their core concern and of mutual interest. 

They underlined that sustained dialogue and peaceful engagement in accordance with UN Resolutions remain essential for addressing longstanding issues and disputes, and advancing peace, stability and prosperity in South and Central Asia.Underlining the significance of peace and stability in Afghanistan as key to lasting regional peace, the two leaders called on Kabul to address the threats of terrorism and to take immediate and concrete actions to prevent terrorist organizations from using the Afghan territory for terrorism against any other country.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)