The President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Arif Alvi received the Ambassador of Uzbekistan Furkat Sidikov, at Aiwan-e-Sadr Palace.

The Head of Pakistan highly appreciated the socio-economic reforms carried out under the leadership of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, as well as legal and institutional changes in the country.

The President emphasized that Pakistan fully supports the foreign policy initiatives of the leadership of Uzbekistan, aimed at strengthening good-neighborly relations in the region, especially its efforts on achieving sustainable peace in Afghanistan. Pakistan also shares and supports Uzbekistan’s position on security issues and the fight against international terrorism, development of regional interconnectedness, expansion of transport infrastructure and energy cooperation.

The Pakistani leader noted with satisfaction the dynamic growth of trade between the two countries, drawing attention to the fact that in 2018 Uzbekistan became the leading economic partner of his country in Central Asia. The interest was confirmed in further deepening mutually beneficial and multifaceted bilateral cooperation.

Particular interest was shown to possibilities of establishing cooperation between the regions of the two countries, especially between the Punjab province and Namangan region, which are linked by historical heritage of the great Baburids.

President Arif Alvi, who is also the Chairman of the OIC Ministerial Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation, confirmed the readiness of this Committee to work actively and fruitfully with Uzbekistan, primarily within the framework of the Second OIC Summit on Science and Technology in 2020, in Tashkent.

Following the meeting, the President of Pakistan conveyed his sincere respect to the President of Uzbekistan and wished the Head of the state success in conducting large-scale reforms.