Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif: Strengthening Ties with Uzbekistan
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Uzbekistan on February 25, 2025, to engage in high-level talks focusing on trade, energy, and defense cooperation. This official trip comes on the heels of his recent visit to Azerbaijan, where both countries solidified agreements aimed at bolstering trade, energy, tourism, and education linkages.
As Pakistan ramps up its economic diplomacy efforts in Central Asia, the visit to Uzbekistan holds significant strategic importance. The objective is to position Pakistan as a pivotal trade and transit hub for the landlocked Central Asian nations, providing them with access to global markets. The surge in diplomatic exchanges, investment discussions, and economic collaborations between Pakistan and Central Asia over the past year underscores the region’s growing significance in Pakistan’s foreign policy agenda.
Upon his arrival in Tashkent, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was warmly received by Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov. The cordial reception set the tone for the bilateral talks that aim to further cement the ties between the two nations. The Uzbek Foreign Minister, Bakhtiyor Saidov, greeted Shehbaz at Tashkent Airport, signifying the importance of the visit.
During the visit, Pakistan and Uzbekistan are expected to ink several agreements across various sectors, ranging from connectivity and economic cooperation to trade, investment, energy, defense, security, regional stability, and education. The comprehensive agenda reflects the multifaceted nature of the bilateral relationship, with both countries keen on exploring new avenues of collaboration.
The official statement from the Pakistani Prime Minister’s Office emphasized that the discussions between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev would encompass a wide array of topics critical to bilateral cooperation. These discussions are set to address regional and global issues of mutual interest, underscoring the shared commitment to fostering economic integration and enhancing regional stability.
In addition to the official meetings, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to address the Pakistan-Uzbekistan Business Forum, where prominent business leaders from both nations will engage in business-to-business (B2B) interactions. The forum aims to leverage the collective expertise and resources of the business communities to strengthen economic ties and explore new avenues for collaboration.
Uzbekistan, as Central Asia’s second-largest economy and largest consumer market, holds immense potential for trade and investment cooperation with Pakistan. The existing bilateral agreements, such as the Transit Trade Agreement (UPTTA) and the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), have laid a solid foundation for expanding economic linkages between the two countries. The recent $1 billion trade deal signed in February 2023 and the proposed launch of direct flights between Uzbekistan and Karachi underscore the commitment to enhancing connectivity and facilitating trade flows.
As Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif engages in substantive discussions with Uzbekistan’s leadership, the visit is poised to deepen the strategic partnership between Pakistan and Uzbekistan. The focus on economic cooperation, trade facilitation, and regional integration reflects a shared vision for a prosperous and interconnected future. Through such diplomatic engagements, both countries seek to unlock new opportunities for growth and collaboration, paving the way for a stronger and more resilient partnership.
This article was crafted to provide a detailed and engaging account of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s official visit to Uzbekistan, highlighting the significance of the trip in strengthening bilateral ties and fostering economic cooperation.
