Peace & stability in Afghanistan was vital to reap the dividends of land connectivity: President Alvi

ISLAMABAD, Mar 04 (SABAH): President Dr. Arif Alvi held a bilateral meeting with the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev at Awan-e-Sadar in Islamabad on Friday. The two leaders exchanged views on a wide range of issues of bilateral interest and important regional and international matters.

President Dr. Arif Alvi expressed satisfaction on the upward trajectory of bilateral ties and reiterated the desire to promote multifaceted cooperation in all spheres, including political, trade, economic, defenec, security, connectivity, education and cultural exchanges. He elaborated Pakistan’s efforts for enhanced engagement with Central Asia within the framework of the “Vision Central Asia” policy. President Alvi highlighted prospects of regional integration and connectivity to Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries through Pakistan’s seaports. He said that Trans-Afghan Railway would be one such project to establish consolidated land connectivity. He also underscored the importance of air connectivity for boosting tourism and people-to-people exchanges.

Both the Presidents agreed to enhance cooperation between the youth and promote science and technology linkages between the two countries.

The President emphasized that peace and stability in Afghanistan was vital to reap the dividends of land connectivity. He said that a peaceful Afghanistan would contribute to the economic progress and prosperity of the region and beyond. President Alvi lauded the signing of the Joint Declaration on Next Steps in Strategic Partnership between Pakistan and Uzbekistan and MoUs/Agreements multiple areas. He said the signing of the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) would open new avenues of enhancing bilateral trade. The two leaders noted progress on collaboration in education, culture, security and defence and reiterated commitment to continue pursuing common goals of economic development at all levels.

The two Presidents also discussed key regional and global issues of mutual interest and apprised his President Mirziyoyev on the situation in Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan and Uzbekistan enjoy historic fraternal relations, marked by mutual respect and rooted in common culture and similar traditions.

The President of Uzbekistan is on his two-day first ever visit to Pakistan along with a high-level ministerial and business delegation.