Islamabad: An Online Round Table Discussion on “30th Anniversary of Independence of Uzbekistan: Prospects of Multifaceted Uzbek-Pakistani Connectivity†was jointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Islamabad on 30th August 2021.
The Round Table Discussion commenced with the Opening Remarks of His Excellency Aybek Arif Usmanov, Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Pakistan. During his opening remarks, he highlighted the instrumental role played by H. E Furqat Sidikov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan in lying a solid foundation of the Uzbekistan-Pakistan Connectivity.
Ambassador A.Usmanov has expressed gratitude to Deputy Minister Mr. Furqat Sidiqov for initiating the interactive session with Pakistani prominent think tanks and media and his exemplary services for two our countries Pakistan and Uzbekistan during his 5 years of excellent tenure in Islamabad as Ambassador of Uzbekistan in Pakistan.
Mr.Furqat is well known due to his relentless efforts the solid foundation of the active interaction between our leaders and experts communities well known think tanks prominent and famous Mass media editions have been established.
His activities recently were well culminated in recent outcomes of the Online summit of President H.E. Shawqat Mirziyaev and Hon PM Imran Khan Sb and successful official visit of Prime Minister to Uzbekistan last month.
H.E Aybek also mentioned that the well seasoned important role think tanks, vibrant media editions and educational institutes can play in further strengthening the bilateral relations between the two countries. Furthermore, he stated that connectivity between the two countries in different spheres should also be promoted especially through various trade agreements, industrial and banking cooperations.
H.E Furkat Sidikov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan mentioned that new avenues of cooperation between the two countries are being explored through various initiatives. According to H.E Furkat, Uzbekistan and Pakistan, through sincere efforts, have now become Strategic Partners.
H.E Furkat further mentioned that despite the Pandemic, Uzbekistan and Pakistan have managed to improve their bilateral terms. He mentioned that due to our joint from January to August 2021 our bilateral trade with Pakistan through the territory of Afghanistan amounted around 104 million USD, which is for 30% higher than last year.
For further expanding Pak-Uzbek trade and economic relations, two sides have developed Joint Road Map for the implementation of all economic agreements, PTA, banking cooperation the joint manufacturing projects which were successfully agreed during the the Highest-level in July 2021.
PRAccording to H.E Furkat, the open and pragmatic foreign Policy of Uzbekistan has supported developing connectivity between Pakistan and Uzbekistan. Addition`ally, the foreign policy of Uzbekistan also focuses on ensuring regional connectivity. – PR
