ISLAMABAD: Uzbekistan’s visiting Foreign Minister, Bakhtiyor Saidov, on Thursday called on Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr, and discussed ways of enhancing bilateral relations.
During the meeting, the President emphasized the need to expand bilateral cooperation with Uzbekistan across various sectors including trade, economy, culture, and tourism.
Highlighting the deep-rooted historical and cultural ties between Pakistan and Uzbekistan, President Zardari underscored the significance Pakistan places on its relationship with Uzbekistan. He emphasized the immense potential for enhancing bilateral trade and economic cooperation to benefit both nations, noting Pakistan’s commitment to regional connectivity and its strategic geographic location.
President Zardari proposed exploring avenues such as barter trade and utilizing local currencies to boost bilateral trade between Pakistan and Uzbekistan. He also suggested the establishment of banks in both countries to facilitate business transactions and enhance commercial relations. Emphasizing the importance of people-to-people exchanges and tourism, he stressed the need to strengthen these linkages to foster closer ties.
Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov echoed President Zardari’s sentiments and called for the development of a roadmap to deepen bilateral relations and accelerate partnership between the two countries. He emphasized the importance of implementing an action plan to enhance bilateral trade and economic cooperation, expressing optimism that improving transport corridors would further strengthen ties.
Furthermore, Foreign Minister Saidov conveyed warm regards from Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to President Asif Ali Zardari, highlighting the mutual desire to strengthen ties between the two nations.
