ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will undertake a significant two-day official visit to Uzbekistan on February 25-26, 2025, at the invitation of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the Foreign Office announced on Monday.

The visit aims to reinforce bilateral ties and enhance regional cooperation between the two nations. The visit underscores Pakistan's commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with Uzbekistan, with a focus on economic collaboration, regional stability, and mutual prosperity. Pakistan and Uzbekistan share deep-rooted historical, cultural, and religious ties, and this visit is expected to further consolidate their longstanding relationship.

Accompanied by a high-level delegation, including the Deputy Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister, and other key cabinet members, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will engage in extensive discussions with President Mirziyoyev. The two leaders will review all aspects of bilateral cooperation, including trade, investment, connectivity, energy, defence, security, and education. A key highlight of the visit will be the signing of multiple bilateral agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), aimed at fostering greater collaboration in various sectors. These agreements are expected to provide a framework for deepening economic cooperation and facilitating increased trade and investment between the two nations.

The Prime Minister will also address the Pakistan-Uzbekistan Business Forum, where business leaders from both countries will participate in B2B meetings to explore new opportunities and strengthen economic ties. The forum is expected to serve as a vital platform for enhancing commercial linkages and unlocking new trade avenues.  The Foreign Office emphasized that the visit reflects the shared aspirations of Pakistan and Uzbekistan for regional peace, stability, and development. "Pakistan and Uzbekistan are bound together by common bonds of history, culture, religion, and their aspirations for peace and development," the statement read. The visit is being seen as a strategic step toward regional integration and economic prosperity. Both countries have been actively working to enhance connectivity, particularly through regional trade and transport corridors. Pakistan, with its strategic location, serves as a gateway for Uzbekistan and other Central Asian nations to access international markets through its ports. The Foreign Office further highlighted that the visit will provide an opportunity for both sides to explore new avenues of partnership, in line with their shared vision for economic growth and regional cooperation.

As Pakistan and Uzbekistan continue to strengthen their ties, the visit is expected to open new chapters in their bilateral relationship, fostering greater collaboration and paving the way for a more integrated and prosperous region.