Uzbek Ambassador made this announcement
during the celebration of the 33rd
Independence Day of Uzbekistan
Correspondent
Islamabad: Aybek Arif Usmanov, the Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan, has declared that the bilateral relationship between Uzbekistan and Pakistan has evolved into a strategic partnership. He made this announcement during the celebration of the 33rd Independence Day of Uzbekistan held on September 6, 2024, at Islamabad.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
In his address, Ambassador Usmanov highlighted the significant interactions between Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Pakistani leaders, including Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, and Chief of Army Staff Gen Asim Munir. These engagements have strengthened trade, technological projects, and military cooperation between the two countries.
Ambassador Usmanov noted that Uzbekistan’s economy has shown robust growth. In 2024, Uzbekistan’s GDP increased by 6.4%, reaching $101 billion, with foreign direct investments rising by 37% to $22 billion. The country’s foreign trade turnover also saw an 8.5% increase, with exports totaling $45 billion.
Economic and Strategic Cooperation
The ambassador emphasized the progress made in economic diplomacy through 74 joint bilateral agreements and MOUs. He mentioned the importance of regional connectivity in various sectors, including textiles, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, agriculture, and IT logistics.
A key highlight of the address was the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway project. The new project office in Tashkent and the trilateral meeting in Islamabad have led to the signing of a protocol for the project’s feasibility, financing, and construction.
Acknowledging Support and Collaboration
Ambassador Usmanov expressed gratitude to Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, and the Pakistani military for their support of the connectivity strategy. He also extended his appreciation to Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and other officials for their role in enhancing bilateral trade and investments.
He commended the ongoing efforts to boost bilateral trade, which has reached up to half a billion dollars through transit and preferential trade agreements. He expressed hope that both countries will soon achieve their goal of $1 billion in trade and industrial cooperation.
Celebrating Independence and Cooperation
The ambassador praised the strong people-to-people connections and the results of high-level meetings and ministerial summits held in various cities, including Tashkent, Islamabad, Samarkand, Lahore, Bukhara, Karachi, Peshawar, and Termiz.
Ambassador Usmanov highlighted the active cooperation between the two nations in military training and counter-terrorism exercises. He expressed his honor at being posted in Pakistan for the third time and conveyed his best wishes to the Pakistani nation for continued success and stability.
In conclusion, Ambassador Usmanov emphasized the deepening strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and Pakistan, reflecting the strong and growing bilateral ties between the two countries.
