PM tells Uzbek president will work closely on regional connectivity

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to work closely with Uzbekistan on regional connectivity, describing the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) rail project as a potential “game changer” for both countries and the wider region.

Speaking at a ceremony to mark the exchange of 28 agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) between the two countries, including the formal exchange of 20 documents related to these deals, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif assured Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who was on a two-day state visit to Pakistan, of Pakistan’s full support for the initiatives.

“I wish to assure the president that we are fully aligned on the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan rail project. It has the potential to transform trade, commerce, and people-to-people ties across the region,” he said. “We are ready to join hands and mobilise resources for this project based on our feasibility and business plan.”

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Sharif emphasised that the UAP rail project would facilitate smoother trade routes, enhance regional mobility, and offer new opportunities for commerce and investment.

“This project is not just a transport link; it is a bridge of friendship, cooperation, and shared prosperity,” he said.

President Mirziyoyev was on a two-day state visit to Pakistan, his second in four years. Prime Minister Sharif expressed pleasure at receiving the visiting delegation and welcomed the Uzbek leader to what he called his “second home”.

During his remarks, the premier congratulated President Mirziyoyev on being awarded an honorary professorship and doctorate by the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) Islamabad.

“These awards recognise your meritorious services, unwavering dedication, and commitment to not only the people of Uzbekistan but also to promoting peace, progress, and prosperity in neighbouring countries,” he said.

In addition, the prime minister lauded Mirziyoyev on being conferred the Nishan-e-Pakistan, the country’s highest civil honour, in recognition of his efforts to transform friendly relations into robust economic cooperation, trade, and investment across multiple sectors. “If there were a higher title or award, you would have been the most deserving recipient,” he added.

Highlighting the deep historical and cultural links between Pakistan and Uzbekistan, the premier referenced the centuries-old connections along the ancient Silk Route.

He noted the shared legacy of the Mughal Empire and the contributions of intellectuals from Samarkand and Bukhara.

“These historical ties provide a solid foundation for durable relations and a promising future,” he said, expressing gratitude to President Mirziyoyev for his vision and commitment to elevate bilateral relations to unprecedented levels.

Sharif also acknowledged the warm reception he received during his visit to Uzbekistan in February last year, adding with humour that while Pakistan could not surpass Uzbek hospitality, matching it would be an achievement in itself.

Earlier at the ceremony, in the presence of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the formal signing and exchange of 28 agreements and MoUs between the two countries took place, including the exchange of 20 key documents.

The agreements cover a wide range of sectors, including defence cooperation, climate change mitigation, disaster risk reduction, disaster management, agriculture, sanitary requirements for fruit exports, mining and geosciences, the transfer of sentenced persons, and joint efforts to combat drug trafficking.

In recognition of his contributions to fostering strong bilateral ties, regional peace, and development, President Mirziyoyev was conferred an honorary Doctorate of Philosophy and the title of professor.

“This is a testament to the enduring partnership between our nations and the leadership role of Uzbekistan in promoting regional prosperity,” Sharif said.

Sharif also emphasised the importance of harnessing opportunities in information technology, agriculture, textiles, and other key sectors.

He added that new avenues of cooperation would be pursued under a five-year joint action plan, with quarterly meetings scheduled to review progress on its implementation.

Speaking at the ceremony, President Mirziyoyev expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Sharif for the warm reception and generous hospitality extended to him and his delegation.

He said that both countries were poised to achieve new milestones through strengthened collaboration in education, science, and technology.

The Uzbek president noted that detailed discussions had taken place on multiple aspects of bilateral relations, including trade, investment, and broader economic cooperation.

As a result of these constructive dialogues, the two sides signed a protocol aimed at boosting the volume of bilateral trade.

Describing Pakistan as a “close friend and reliable partner,” Mirziyoyev commended Sharif for his leadership in promoting economic stability and development.

He lauded the prime minister’s vision and initiatives as exemplary, reflecting a shared commitment to fostering prosperity in both countries.

Upon his arrival at Nur Khan Airbase, the Uzbek president was received by Prime Minister Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari.

The welcome included a 21-gun salute, a static contingent salute by the Pakistan armed forces, and a performance by the tri-services band.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026