Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif arrives in Uzbekistan

He was welcomed at Tashkent International Airport by Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov and other officials. After a brief conversation, Shehbaz Sharif departed for his next destination in accordance with his visit agenda.

Purpose of the visit

Shehbaz Sharif's visit comes at the invitation of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The upcoming high-level talks will focus on further developing and expanding the strategic partnership and multifaceted cooperation between Uzbekistan and Pakistan.

Key discussions will revolve around increasing bilateral trade volume, enhancing transport connectivity, and realizing transit potential. Joint initiatives in sectors such as textiles, leather production, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, electrical engineering, and other industries will be prioritized. Additionally, the leaders will explore ways to strengthen cultural, humanitarian, and tourism ties, as well as exchange views on pressing regional and international issues.

At the conclusion of the summit, a joint declaration and several bilateral agreements are expected to be signed.

As part of the visit’s business agenda, the leaders will also participate in the Uzbekistan-Pakistan Joint Business Forum.

Uzbekistan-Pakistan relations

Pakistan was among the first countries to recognize Uzbekistan’s independence, doing so on December 20, 1991. Diplomatic relations between the two nations were formally established on May 10, 1992. In recent years, economic cooperation between Uzbekistan and Pakistan has reached new heights. The trade turnover, which stood at $122 million in 2019, increased to $387 million by 2023.

According to Uzbekistan’s Statistics Agency, in 2024, Uzbekistan exported 124,700 tons of fruits and vegetables to Pakistan, with a total value of $192.3 million. Additionally, Pakistan has emerged as one of Uzbekistan’s key export partners, with bilateral trade reaching $300 million in 2024.