By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan and Uzbekistan on Thursday signed 28 agreements and memoranda of understanding covering defence, trade, climate action, education, and regional connectivity, aiming to raise bilateral trade to $2 billion over the next five years.

The agreements were signed during a ceremony in Islamabad attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who is on a two-day state visit.

Speaking at the ceremony, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the deep-rooted historical, spiritual, and cultural ties between Pakistan and Uzbekistan, tracing connections through the ancient Silk Route, the Mughal legacy from the Fergana Valley, and the intellectual contributions of Samarkand and Bukhara.

“These historical bonds provide a very sound foundation for durable relations and a very bright future,” he said.

He also congratulated President Mirziyoyev on receiving Pakistan’s highest civilian honour, the Nishan-e-Pakistan, describing it as “a symbol of Pakistan’s deep appreciation for your great services and contribution in strengthening our brotherly relations and converting these ties into economic cooperation, trade, and investment across multiple sectors.” He added, “I think, Mr. President, if we had a bigger award, you would have been the fittest recipient of it.”

Addressing regional cooperation, Sharif announced the inaugural meeting of the Pakistan-Uzbekistan High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council.

“This structured mechanism heralds a very bright future for both our countries and peoples,” he said.

He also emphasized the Pakistan-Afghanistan-Uzbekistan railway project, calling it “a game changer not only for our two countries, but for the entire region.

Sharif underlined the economic dimension of the agreements, noting that a joint working group would chart out a five-year plan covering agriculture, pharmaceuticals, textiles, leather, tourism, IT, and other sectors.

“This will be a game changer and move our cooperation to a level the world has not observed before,” he said, adding that the arrangement would be reviewed quarterly.

President Mirziyoyev described the agreements and joint councils as “a historic step” and a “game changer” for bilateral relations.

“We discussed all major issues in detail, from security and defence to economic matters, political cooperation, trade, and investment. As a result, we have decided to sign a protocol that will serve as the basis for establishing joint councils and working groups to further deliver on these priorities,” he said.

He praised Pakistan’s rapid development, reforms, and accelerated economic growth, calling the country “a time-tested and reliable partner and one of our closest friends.”

Mirziyoyev also highlighted education and scientific collaboration, promising cooperation between Uzbek universities and Pakistan’s National University of Science and Technology. “This historic day will mark the beginning of a new chapter in academic collaboration, generating new discoveries, scholars, scientists, startups, and businesses,” he said.

On global issues, Mirziyoyev expressed full support for unified international efforts, particularly regarding Palestine. “I fully support the idea of my dear brother to unite our efforts to provide long-awaited assistance to the people of Palestine and address emerging international challenges through coordinated action,” he said.

The Uzbek president, accompanied by senior ministers and business leaders, arrived in Pakistan earlier today.

This marks Mirziyoyev’s second visit to Pakistan since 2022. Bilateral trade between the two countries reached approximately $450 million last year, with the new agreements aiming to more than quadruple trade to $2 billion within five ye