ТASHKENT,  February 6. /Dunyo IA/.   Following the first meeting of the Strategic Cooperation Council held in Islamabad, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and the Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif delivered statements to representatives of the media, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

According to the press service of the Head of our State, at the beginning of his remarks, the Leader of Uzbekistan expressed gratitude to the head of the Pakistani government for the invitation to pay a state visit and for the productive negotiations.

It was emphasized that dynamically developing Pakistan is a reliable strategic partner of Uzbekistan. In Uzbekistan, there is sincere appreciation for the large-scale reforms being carried out under the Prime Minister’s leadership to improve public welfare, ensure accelerated economic growth, and strengthen the country’s international standing.

It was noted with satisfaction that the current visit is taking place in the year marking the fifth anniversary of the strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and Pakistan.

Over the past five years, bilateral trade has increased 2.5-fold, while the number of joint ventures and projects has nearly tripled. A target has been set to raise trade turnover to $2 billion in the near future. A portfolio of promising trade and investment agreements worth $3.5 billion has been formed.

Following the talks, a Joint Declaration and around 30 key documents in priority areas of cooperation were signed.

A meeting with representatives of leading Pakistani companies will be held tomorrow.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening connectivity between Central and South Asia through sustained regional cooperation. They also expressed readiness to continue mutual support within international and regional organizations.

The President of Uzbekistan expressed gratitude to Pakistan for its active support for Uzbekistan’s accession to the World Trade Organization. High praise was also given to Pakistan’s efforts as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council in 2025-2026 to ensure peace and international stability.

An agreement was reached to expand cooperation in the pharmaceutical, light industry, electrical engineering, mining, and food sectors, as well as in agriculture. Particular attention was paid to developing transport and logistics links and to creating favorable conditions for the business community.

To deepen interregional cooperation, it was decided to hold the first Forum of Regions in Uzbekistan this year.

In addition, plans include organizing cultural weeks and film festivals, as well as joint efforts to study and promote the scientific and educational heritage of great thinkers.

Gratitude was once again expressed for naming one of the streets in Islamabad “Tashkent”.

For his part, the President announced the decision to establish a park in Pakistan’s capital named after the great statesman and poet Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur, which will become a gift to the Pakistani people on the eve of the country’s Independence Day celebrations.

The Leader of Uzbekistan also separately thanked the Pakistani side for awarding him the honorary titles of Doctor and Professor of the National University of Sciences and Technology.

In conclusion, Shavkat Mirziyoyev congratulated on the upcoming Pakistan Day and the approaching holy month of Ramadan.