Pakistan and Uzbekistan agreed to boost ties through regional connectivity via Afghanistan using roads, airways, and trains which would aid Pakistan in connecting with the Central Asian states and vice versa.
Prime Minister Imran Khan made the statement while addressing a joint press conference with Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on Thursday.
The joint press conference was held after the two leaders had a one-on-one meeting earlier in the day when Uzbekistan President reached Pakistan on a two-day visit. Many matters of bilateral interest were discussed in the meeting including, Islamophobia and the ongoing situation of Afghanistan.
“Both sides have agreed to reinvigorate the [bilateral] relationship not only by enhancing trade but also through cultural linkages,” PM Imran told reporters. “Both countries have a shared culture and history.”
PM Imran said we have decided to resume direct flights between the two countries that will not only improve connectivity but will also help promote tourism and trade. He said the planned train route with Uzbekistan will help boost linkages with the Central Asian countries, which will also benefit Afghanistan.
The two leaders showed satisfaction over the rising volume of bilateral trade and interaction between the commerce communities of the two countries.
The Pakistan premier showed pleasure that bilateral trade between Pakistan and Uzbekistan had increased by 50% in the previous year while the shared ventures between the two business communities had spiked five-fold.
President Mirziyoyev, in his remarks, appreciated Pakistan’s economic, political, and cultural progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan. He said both the countries were constructing strategic partnerships and were acting as a bridge between South and Central Asia.
Islamophobia:
While talking about Islamophobia, the two leaders agreed that any desecration of Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) could not be allowed on the pretext of freedom of speech.
PM Khan also lauded the comments of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Russian President Vladimir Putin against the desecration of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) in the name of freedom of speech.
Film on Uzbek-origin Mughal Emperor Zaheeruddin Babar:
While announcing the joint production of a film on Uzbek-origin Mughal Emperor Zaheeruddin Babar the Prime Minister thanked the Uzbek President for coming up with the book revealing around 3,000 common words between Urdu and Uzbek languages.
Mirziyoyev showed his gratitude towards PM Khan for his warm hospitality, adding that his long-awaited trip to the country was delayed due to the pandemic.