Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will embark on a two-day official visit to Uzbekistan from February 25-26, 2025, following an invitation from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. This visit aims to further enhance bilateral relations between Pakistan and Uzbekistan while boosting regional cooperation, the Foreign Office announced on Monday.
The visit is a significant move in Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to solidify its strategic partnership with Uzbekistan. The two countries share common interests in fostering economic collaboration, ensuring regional stability, and promoting mutual prosperity. PM Shehbaz will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, which includes the Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, and other key cabinet members. The trip is expected to focus on an array of important areas, including trade, investment, connectivity, energy, security, and education.
One of the central objectives of PM Shehbaz’s visit will be to engage in extensive discussions with President Mirziyoyev, where the two leaders will review the current state of bilateral cooperation. The goal is to further deepen ties and explore new avenues of collaboration that will contribute to both nations’ long-term prosperity.
A major highlight of the visit will be the signing of several bilateral agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between the two countries. These documents are expected to outline specific steps to enhance cooperation in key sectors such as trade, infrastructure development, defense, and education. The agreements will mark a milestone in strengthening the already growing relationship between Pakistan and Uzbekistan, creating more opportunities for collaboration in the future.
The Prime Minister will also address the Pakistan-Uzbekistan Business Forum, which is expected to draw prominent business leaders from both countries. The forum will facilitate B2B (business-to-business) meetings, providing a platform for entrepreneurs and investors to explore new trade opportunities and strengthen economic ties. This gathering highlights the growing importance of economic cooperation between the two nations, with a focus on unlocking potential areas of growth, especially in trade and investment.
The Foreign Office emphasized that the visit is not just about strengthening bilateral ties, but also a reaffirmation of both countries’ shared aspirations for peace and development in the region. “Pakistan and Uzbekistan are bound together by common bonds of history, culture, religion, and their aspirations for peace and development,” the statement read, underlining the close relationship between the two countries.
This visit is seen as a strategic step towards regional integration and economic prosperity. By fostering closer ties with Uzbekistan, Pakistan hopes to play a greater role in regional economic initiatives, ensuring mutual growth and stability. As both nations look towards the future, this visit sets the stage for a new phase of collaboration that could serve as a model for regional partnerships in Central Asia and beyond.
In addition to addressing economic issues, the visit is poised to bolster regional stability and cooperation in areas such as energy and security. The two countries are expected to discuss joint efforts to address common challenges and enhance their collective ability to tackle regional issues.
PM Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Uzbekistan is a clear signal of Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening its regional partnerships. It not only highlights the importance of the strategic relationship with Uzbekistan but also opens doors for further collaboration in the coming years. As the two countries take steps toward deeper economic and regional integration, their partnership is poised to flourish, contributing to a more prosperous and stable region.