TASHKENT, Feb 26 (NNI): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was accorded a guard of honour as he arrived at the Tashkent Congress Centre on Wednesday to meet Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and hold the delegation-level talks.
As the prime minister arrived at the venue of the formal welcome reception, the Uzbek president warmly received him.
The national anthems of Pakistan and Uzbekistan were played, which followed the guard of honour by a smartly-turned-out contingent of the Uzbek armed forces which the prime minister reviewed along with President Mirziyoyev.
Later, both President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif introduced their respective delegations to each other before proceeding to the bilateral meeting and the delegation-level talks.
The discussions will focus on enhancing cooperation between Uzbekistan and Pakistan in regional connectivity, trade, investment, energy, defense, security, regional stability, and education.
The prime minister who arrived in Tashkent on a two-day official visit, is accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, Minister for Investment and Privatization Abdul Aleem Khan, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant to PM Tariq Fatemi.
The prime minister will address a Pakistan-Uzbekistan Business Forum aimed at boosting bilateral trade and investment ties.
Besides, he will visit the Techno Park in Tashkent to observe Uzbekistan’s construction industry.
Meanwhile, PM Shehbaz paid a visit to the Monument to the Independence of Uzbekistan, accompanied by Uzbek PM Aripov.
PM Shehbaz commended the abilities of Uzbekistan to steer towards prosperity and overcome the challenges.
The premier acknowledged Uzbekistan and Pakistan’s common vision for peace, prosperity, and regional connectivity.
“My visit is about resolving to work together for the sake of the shared values and bright future,” said PM Shehbaz.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed Pakistan’s desire to strengthen fraternal bonds with Uzbekistan through trade, investment and mutually advantageous cooperation.
In a post on his X handle after arriving in Tashkent, the Prime Minister said he looks forward to his engagements in Uzbekistan.
The Prime Minister said Uzbekistan is the crown of Central Asia which breathes history through the grandeur of its culture, art, ancient cites, and architecture. NNI
