Islamabad: President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, has accepted an invitation from Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to visit Uzbekistan.
President Zardari emphasized Pakistan’s close and brotherly ties with Uzbekistan and the importance of implementing outcomes from the recent historic and fruitful official visit of the Uzbek President to Pakistan.
The announcement was made during a meeting with Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Alisher Tukhtaev, at the Presidential House. The ambassador presented a letter from President Mirziyoyev, expressing gratitude for the warm hospitality and high honors conferred upon him during his visit to Pakistan, including the Nishan-e-Pakistan and honorary academic awards.
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President Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthen cooperation with Uzbekistan in key sectors including agriculture, mining, information technology, tourism, health, and banking. He also welcomed Uzbekistan’s interest in importing halal meat, fruits, and potatoes from Pakistan, calling it a positive step toward enhancing bilateral trade.
President Mirziyoyev reiterated his invitation for President Zardari’s visit, which had been extended during their earlier in-person meeting. President Zardari accepted the invitation and directed Pakistani officials to coordinate with Uzbek authorities to finalize the visit later this year.
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The President also thanked the Uzbek leadership for expressing solidarity after the recent terrorist attack in Islamabad and reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to continue their joint journey toward peace, stability, and development.
Ambassador Tukhtaev also informed President Zardari that Uzbekistan is interested in the development of Babar Park in Islamabad’s F-7 sector, and a related Uzbek minister will visit Pakistan next week for consultations.