LAHORE, July 7. /Dunyo IA/.  As part of their visit to Lahore, the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Karakalpakstan Farkhod Ermanov, and Ambassador of Uzbekistan Alisher Tukhtaev, held negotiations with the Minister for Agriculture of Punjab Province Syed Hussain Kirmani, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

Pakistani side warmly welcomed the delegation from Karakalpakstan, emphasizing that this visit will mark a significant milestone in the development of bilateral relations and will facilitate the further expansion of trade, economic and investment cooperation.

During the meeting, the sides noted the steady development of strategic partnership relations between Uzbekistan and Pakistan. It was emphasized that interregional cooperation plays a vital role in the practical implementation of the tasks set by the heads of the two states. In this regard, the parties highlighted the necessity of intensifying interaction between Karakalpakstan and Punjab Province in the economic, investment and agricultural sectors.

Particular attention was dedicated to the prospects for developing mutually beneficial cooperation in the fields of agriculture and livestock breeding. The sides stressed that these specific areas possess the greatest potential and could become pivotal in the advancement of interregional ties.

The Pakistani side initiated the establishment of a joint bilateral working group tasked with formulating agricultural investment projects, coordinating promising initiatives, and expediting the practical implementation of joint programs.

During the talks, the parties also deliberated upon cooperation in potato and rice cultivation, the introduction of climate-adapted and high-yielding crop varieties, the exchange of advanced agricultural technologies, and the expansion of interaction between relevant research and development institutions.

Furthermore, the sides reviewed the prospects for exporting breeding cattle to Uzbekistan, developing potato and cotton seed production, enhancing selective breeding operations, exchanging experience among relevant specialists and implementing advanced agricultural technologies.

The parties expressed confidence that expanding practical cooperation in these designated areas will contribute to bolstering the agro-industrial potential of both regions, ensuring food security and increasing the volume of bilateral trade.

Following the meeting, which transpired in an open, constructive, and amicable atmosphere, the sides agreed to maintain a regular dialogue, strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation and consistently implement promising joint projects.