Pakistan, Uzbekistan sign multiple accords for defence, tech

• PM Shehbaz Sharif receives guard of honour in Tashkent.
• Introduces delegation to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
• Both countries sign multiple MoUs on bilateral cooperation.

Pakistan and Uzbekistan on Wednesday signed multiple accords to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the fields of defence, technology, technical training and youth empowerment.

The documents were signed during the two-day visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Uzbekistan, at the invitation of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Following their bilateral meeting and the delegation-level talks, Prime Minister Shehbaz and President Mirziyoyev witnessed the ceremony as the officials from both sides exchanged the pre-signed documents of the agreements and MoUs for cooperation in different fields.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov exchanged the documents of agreements in the fields of visa-free travel for diplomatic passport holders, military intelligence, internal affairs, professional and technical training and training of diplomats.

Another inter-government agreement was signed between both sides to collaborate in the fields of scientific research, technology, and innovation. Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and Uzbek Deputy Prime Minister Khodjayev Jamshid exchanged the documents.

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and Director General of the National Information Agency of Uzbekistan Kuchimov Abdusaid exchanged a document of news cooperation agreement between the news agencies of both sides.

DPM Dar and Mayor of Tashkent Shavkat Umurzakov Buranovich exchanged the documents of an MoU between Lahore and Tashkent.

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Tarar and Director of Youth Affairs Agency of Uzbekistan Sa’dullayev Alisher exchanged documents of the MoU between Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s Youth Programme and the Government of Uzbekistan on youth affairs.

Later, Prime Minister Shehbaz and President Mirziyoyev signed a joint declaration on the outcomes of the former’s visit and also the protocols for the establishment of High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council.

Separately, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a "productive" meeting with Uzbek FM Bakhtiyor Saidov, wherein they discussed the ways to further strengthen bilateral relations.

Both leaders appreciated the longstanding fraternal ties between Pakistan and Uzbekistan, built on shared history and mutual respect.

They reaffirmed their commitment to expanding collaboration across multiple sectors for shared progress and prosperity.

A day earlier, PM Shehbaz paid a solemn visit to the iconic Uzbek Independence Monument in Tashkent.

The prime minister, as reported by Radio Pakistan, laid a floral wreath at the monument which is a symbol of Uzbekistan's rich history and sovereignty.

In his remarks on the occasion, he expressed his admiration for Uzbekistan's progress and resilience, drawing parallels with Pakistan's own struggle for independence and development.

He said the Independence Monument stands as a testament to the courage and determination of the Uzbek people. 

The PM underscored that both countries shared a common vision for peace, prosperity, and regional connectivity and this visit is a reminder of our shared values and the need to work together for a brighter future.

During his visit, the premier was also briefed about the 3000-year-old history of the Uzbek nation and its heroes.