ISLAMABAD, January 2. / «Dunyo» IA/. Ambassador of Uzbekistan Alisher Tukhtaev held a meeting with Muhammad Khurram Agha, First Deputy Minister of the Interior of Pakistan, «Dunyo» IA’s correspondent reports.

During the meeting, it was noted that cooperation between Uzbekistan and Pakistan is based on the highest level of trust and friendship. The importance of further developing political dialogue, cultural and humanitarian exchanges, trade, economic and investment cooperation, as well as the implementation of agreements and specific, targeted projects in the law enforcement sphere, was emphasized.

The sides discussed issues related to improving the legal and regulatory framework between Uzbekistan and Pakistan, organizing interagency working meetings on combating international terrorism, organized crime, cybercrime and illicit drug trafficking, exchanging experience in ensuring security at public events and tourist facilities, as well as establishing cooperation in the fields of cybersecurity and digital forensics.

The First Deputy Minister of the Interior of Pakistan highly praised the reforms and transformations taking place in Uzbekistan and invited the leadership of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Uzbekistan to visit Pakistan. It was noted that the exchange of visits would further strengthen cooperation in law enforcement and elevate mutual trust to a new level.

“We are interested in expanding cooperation with the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Uzbekistan. If a meeting is arranged, we will be able to discuss prospects for intensifying bilateral cooperation on issues within the competence of the relevant agencies of both countries,” he said. “I am also well aware of Uzbekistan’s rich historical heritage, particularly the cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, Tashkent and Khiva. I visited Uzbekistan 14 years ago and retain warm memories of your country. I would very much like to visit again.”

The parties also exchanged views on prospects for increasing tourist flows between Uzbekistan and Pakistan and creating more favorable conditions for tourists, including the simplification of visa procedures and the introduction of an electronic visa system.

At the conclusion of the meeting, which was held in a friendly and constructive atmosphere, priority tasks aimed at further expanding cooperation in law enforcement between the two countries were identified.