President reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepen cooperation with Uzbekistan across key sectors
President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday welcomed an invitation from Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and stressed the need to follow up on outcomes of the Uzbek leader’s recent state visit to Pakistan, the President’s Secretariat said.
The president received Ambassador Alisher Tukhtaev at Aiwan-e-Sadr, where the ambassador handed over a letter from President Mirziyoyev. In the letter, Mirziyoyev thanked President Zardari, the government, and the people of Pakistan for the hospitality extended during his visit and for conferring the Nishan-e-Pakistan, an honorary professorship, and a doctorate.
President Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepen cooperation with Uzbekistan in sectors including food and agriculture, mining, information technology, tourism, health, and banking. He welcomed Uzbekistan’s interest in importing halal meat, fruits, and potatoes from Pakistan as a step towards enhancing bilateral trade.
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According to the Secretariat, President Mirziyoyev reiterated the invitation he conveyed during their tête-à-tête. President Zardari accepted and directed Pakistani authorities to coordinate with Uzbek counterparts to finalise the visit later this year.
The president also expressed gratitude for Mirziyoyev’s message of solidarity following the recent terrorist attack in Islamabad and reaffirmed the two countries’ resolve to continue their joint efforts for peace, stability, and development.
Ambassador Tukhtaev informed President Zardari of Uzbekistan’s desire to develop Babar Park in Islamabad’s F-7 sector and said a concerned Uzbek minister would visit Islamabad next week to discuss the project with the Pakistani authorities.
