Uzbek envoy calls for enhancing regional connectivity

Islamabad : Uzbekistan's Ambassador Aybek Arif Usmanov emphasised the need for boosting regional connectivity in sectors like textiles, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, agriculture, and IT logistics.

During a function marking his country's Independence Day here, the ambassador highlighted the significance of the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway project, noting the establishment of a new project office in Tashkent and the recent trilateral meeting in Islamabad.

"We [three countries] have signed a protocol for the feasibility studies, financing, and execution of this game changer project. I'm confident that next meetings will yield significant progress in furthering connectivity between Pakistan and Uzbekistan," he said.

The ambassador expressed gratitude towards Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and military for strong support in advancing the strategy of connectivity between Uzbekistan and Pakistan.

He congratulated the Pakistani nation on Army and Martyrs Day as well as the Pakistan Air Force's Youm-e-Fazaia, declaring these events as symbols of national unity and dedication.

He noted that both countries' defence ministries had been actively engaging in staff talks on military cooperation, with the first meeting of the Joint Working Commission occurring in Islamabad this year.

"Uzbekistan and Pakistan will continue to collaborate extensively in military training and anti-terrorism exercises," he said.

Mr Usmanov said not only were Uzbekistan and Pakistan genuine partners but their brotherly cooperation had elevated to a level of strategic partnership as well.

He praised the ongoing efforts of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev for bolstering trade, technological projects, and military cooperation by meeting with Pakistani leaders nine times in the last three years.

The ambassador said recent discussions between Uzbek and Pakistani foreign ministers led to the implementation of proactive economic diplomacy, resulting in 74 bilateral agreements and memorandums of understanding.

He said that cooperation had driven significant growth in bilateral trade, reaching half a billion dollars, facilitated by transit agreements with Afghanistan.

"I'm sure that our teams will soon achieve the one billion dollars trade target outlined in the cooperation roadmaps," he said.

Mr Usmanov praised former Pakistani commerce secretary Muhammad Sualeh Ahmad Faruqui, economic affairs secretary Kazim Niazi, and railways secretary Mazhar Ali Shah for their efforts in enhancing bilateral trade and investments.

He acknowledged the implementation of development strategies in Pakistan by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's government, noting the promising prospects for further bilateral cooperation and growth.