ISLAMABAD: Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov arrived in Pakistan for a two-day visit on Tuesday night to discuss bilateral trade and regional connectivity, as confirmed by a brief statement from the foreign office. This visit comes as the administration in Islamabad seeks to strengthen economic ties amidst financial challenges.
Recently, a Saudi business delegation concluded its visit to Pakistan, conducting a series of business-to-business meetings to explore investment opportunities across various sectors. Subsequently, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Japanese industrialists, encouraging investment in Pakistan’s electric automotive industry. Federal Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb also engaged with international investors, reaffirming the country’s commitment to fostering a conducive business environment. The upcoming visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, expected later this month, is anticipated to bring significant investments.
The visit of the Uzbek foreign minister underscores the growing bilateral relations between the two countries and aligns with Pakistan’s objectives of enhancing regional connectivity for economic prosperity.
“Foreign Minister Saidov will meet with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and hold extensive discussions with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar on various bilateral issues, with a special focus on trade and connectivity,” the foreign office stated in a pre-arrival statement.
This visit is expected to inject fresh momentum into the friendly relations between Pakistan and Uzbekistan. Pakistan considers Central Asian countries as vital partners in boosting regional trade and energy security. The region’s abundant natural resources, particularly oil and gas, hold significance for Pakistan in securing reliable energy sources and diversifying its energy imports. Uzbekistan’s strategic geographical location and resources make it a crucial gateway for Pakistan to access other markets in the region.
Last year, Pakistan’s former caretaker Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar visited Uzbekistan to participate in an Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) meeting, where he reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to regional cooperation and economic integration.
