ISLAMABAD, February 16. /Dunyo IA/.  An online meeting took place between Alisher Boboev, First Deputy Minister of Health of Uzbekistan and senior Pakistani officials, including Zia ul-Haq, Executive Director (ED) of the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan and Rahmat Bajwa, Chairman of the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

At the outset of the dialogue, participants highlighted that relations between Uzbekistan and Pakistan - built on mutual respect and trust - have in recent years reached the level of a strategic partnership. It was also emphasized that high-level visits and active dialogue across multiple sectors have provided fresh momentum for cooperation in healthcare.

Pakistani officials were briefed on the healthcare reforms underway in Uzbekistan under the leadership of Shavkat Mirziyoyev, their effective outcomes, the system for training qualified medical personnel, the establishment of new higher education institutions and international collaborations.

The parties discussed avenues for further development of cooperation between Uzbekistan and Pakistan in healthcare and medical education. It was noted that pharmaceutical products and medical devices manufactured by Pakistani companies are registered in Uzbekistan.

Positive trends were also reported in medical education: currently, over one thousand Pakistani students are studying at higher education institutions in Uzbekistan. The Uzbek side expressed its readiness to expand collaboration in clinical practice, fundamental medicine, professional development and joint scientific research.

Pakistani officials expressed their readiness to focus on practical cooperation in healthcare and education, including sending Pakistani doctors to work in Uzbekistan and exploring opportunities to establish joint medical facilities in the private sector.

As a result of the meeting, an agreement was reached to organize a visit by a Pakistani delegation to Uzbekistan to advance and formalize collaborative efforts.