ТASHKENT, February 6. /Dunyo IA/.  As part of the state visit to Islamabad, a meeting was held between the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari at the Aiwan-e-Sadr residence, in both narrow format and with the participation of official delegations, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

According to the press service of the Head of our State, the current state and key directions for the further expansion of multifaceted interaction, as well as the strengthening of friendship and strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and Pakistan, were reviewed.

At the beginning of the meeting, Asif Ali Zardari congratulated the Head of our state on the successful outcomes of the first meeting of the Strategic Cooperation Council and also emphasized the historical significance of the current state visit in the context of giving new impetus to the deepening of bilateral relations.

High praise was given to the large-scale socio-economic reforms being implemented in New Uzbekistan under the Development Strategy–2030.

Active contacts at various levels were noted with satisfaction. Trade turnover and the number of joint ventures continue to grow at a steady pace. Cooperation projects are being implemented in priority sectors of the economy.

On the eve of the summit in Islamabad, a meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission and political consultations were held productively.

The importance of further expanding practical cooperation was emphasized, including strengthening political dialogue, developing trade, economic, and investment ties, and intensifying business exchanges.

Issues related to coordinating and implementing joint measures to bring the volume of mutual trade to 2 billion dollars in the near future were discussed separately.

Particular attention was paid to the development of interregional cooperation. It was agreed to hold the first meeting of the Forum of Regions in the city of Khiva this year.

An exchange of views took place on strengthening cooperation within international organizations. The sides confirmed their mutual support and the closeness of their positions on current regional and international issues.

A shared commitment to the further expansion of cultural and humanitarian exchanges and the promotion of joint projects in the fields of education, ecology, sports, and other areas was noted.

At the conclusion of the talks, Shavkat Mirziyoyev invited Asif Ali Zardari to visit Uzbekistan.