President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday said that Pakistan attached great significance to its close brotherly relations with Uzbekistan, underscoring the importance of effective follow-up on the outcomes of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s recent historic and result-oriented state visit to Pakistan.
The president said this while talking to Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Pakistan Alisher Tukhtaev, who called on him at Aiwan-e-Sadr and handed over a letter from President Mirziyoyev.
In his letter, the Uzbek President thanked President Zardari, the government and the people of Pakistan for the extraordinary hospitality and warm welcome extended to him during his visit.
He also expressed gratitude for being conferred the Nishan-e-Pakistan, Pakistan’s highest civil award, as well as the honorary professorship and doctorate.
President Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening cooperation with Uzbekistan in key sectors, including food and agriculture, mining, information technology, tourism, health and banking. He welcomed Uzbekistan’s interest in importing halal meat, fruits and potatoes from Pakistan as a positive step towards enhancing bilateral trade.
President Mirziyoyev reiterated his invitation to President Zardari, earlier conveyed during their tête-à-tête.
The president accepted the invitation and directed the authorities concerned from the Pakistani side to coordinate with their Uzbek counterparts to finalise the visit later this year.
He also conveyed his gratitude to President Mirziyoyev for his message of solidarity and support following the recent terrorist attack in Islamabad, and reaffirmed the shared resolve of Pakistan and Uzbekistan to continue their joint journey of peace, stability and development.
Alisher Tukhtaev informed President Zardari of Uzbekistan’s desire to develop Babur Park in the F-7 sector of Islamabad and said that a relevant Uzbek minister would visit Islamabad next week to hold discussions with Pakistani authorities regarding the project.