Uzbek FM calls on FM Qureshi, COAS Gen. Bajwa and ISI DG Lt.Gen. Hamid
By Staff Reporter
Thursday – March 11, 2021According to a press release, in his delegation level talks with FM Qureshi, views were exchanged on enhancement of economic cooperation, mutual support in international fora, regional connectivity and tourism promotion.
Outlining the vision of “Naya Pakistan” cantered around economic security, the FM underlined the importance of shifting focus from geo-politics to geo-economics, to advance the goals of national economic development.
Both sides expressed their firm resolve to boost high-level interactions to give impetus to the existing positive momentum in bilateral relations.
It was agreed to maximally utilise the existing institutional mechanisms by regularly convening sessions of bilateral political consultations and joint ministerial commission.
The two FMs expressed satisfaction at the progress achieved in advancing rail connectivity between the two countries and agreed on early completion of trans-Afghan railway project.
FM Qureshi emphasised the importance of direct air connectivity to further trade and tourism. He also stressed facilitation of visas for businessmen and tourists.
He underlined the need to further strengthen the existing parliamentary cooperation between the two countries through exchange of visits.
FM Qureshi welcomed the proposed “Re-connect Silk Route Conference” scheduled for July 2021. The event will help showcase Pakistani exports and products in Central Asia.
He also underscored the importance of closer agricultural cooperation between the two countries particularly in cotton seed sector.
Uzbekistan FM Kamilov extended an invitation to the FM to participate in the Central Asia-South Asia (CASA) Connectivity Conference to be held in Tashkent in July 2021.
FM Qureshi expressed satisfaction at the level of cooperation between the two countries in the multilateral organisations such as the United Nations (UN), Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
He highlighted Pakistan’s positive role for the facilitation of intra-Afghan negotiations.
FM Qureshi reiterated Pakistan’s support to Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace and reconciliation process culminating in an inclusive and broad-based political solution.
Establishment of lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan will contribute to progress on various connectivity initiatives leading to regional prosperity.
He also underlined the grave and systemic human rights’ violations in the Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) by Indian security forces.
Uzbek FM Kamilov met with COAS Gen. Bajwa along-with ISI DG Lt.Gen. Hamid, in a separate meeting on Wednesday, wherein both sides reiterated the desire to further enhance bilateral relations including efforts for peace and security in the region.
According to an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) press release, Uzbek FM appreciated Pakistan’s positive role for regional peace and stability, especially the Afghan peace process and pledged to keep working for better relations between the two brotherly countries.
