TASHKENT, Uzbekistan — Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif held high-level talks on Wednesday, February 26, focusing on expanding economic ties, boosting trade connectivity, and enhancing security cooperation.
During their meeting, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to increasing bilateral trade to $2 billion, identifying key steps such as: expanding the list of traded goods, simplifying customs and phytosanitary procedures, harmonizing standards, and integrating electronic trading platforms.
To facilitate trade, Uzbekistan and Pakistan have established trading houses in Karachi and Tashkent and resumed direct flights between Tashkent and Lahore.
Both sides highlighted growing investment cooperation, with major projects planned in pharmaceuticals, electrical engineering, agricultural machinery, textiles, and the leather industry.
To further boost trade, the two countries emphasized enhancing transit and transport connectivity. Cargo transportation via the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan multimodal corridor has increased fivefold in recent years. The leaders agreed to establish a joint transport and logistics company to facilitate trade.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to the Trans-Afghan Railway project, pledging to coordinate efforts for its implementation. The next intergovernmental commission meeting is scheduled for July in Lahore.
The leaders also discussed regional security, stressing the need to combat terrorism, radicalism, and Islamophobia.
Recognizing the importance of cultural and humanitarian exchanges, they agreed to hold mutual Cultural Weeks and promote tourism initiatives.
To institutionalize cooperation, Uzbekistan and Pakistan will establish a High-Level Strategic Partnership Council, with its first meeting set for next year.
Additionally, both sides pledged to develop a joint roadmap to ensure the timely implementation of agreements aimed at strengthening bilateral ties.
