Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held an important meeting, according to an official statement.

A formal reception ceremony was held at the Prime Minister’s House in honour of the visiting Uzbek president. The prime minister and the Uzbek president first held a one-on-one meeting, followed by delegation-level talks, the statement said.

Both sides have termed their historical, religious and cultural ties as a strong foundation for bilateral relations. The talks focused on trade, investment, regional connectivity, education and cultural exchanges.

The two leaders also held detailed discussions on regional and global matters. Both countries expressed satisfaction over high-level engagements and existing institutional mechanisms. The leaders welcomed the activation of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council.

The Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway project was termed a key initiative for regional connectivity. Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in road, rail, air and maritime sectors.

They also reaffirmed their commitment to expand cooperation in mining, energy, defence, tourism, education and culture. Pakistan and Uzbekistan once again pledged to increase bilateral trade to $2 billion.

Plaques for Tashkent Street and Babar Park were unveiled in Islamabad. A joint declaration was signed in Islamabad to further strengthen Pakistan-Uzbekistan relations.

28 agreements and memorandums of understanding were exchanged in areas including trade, information technology, health, agriculture, education and sports. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif conferred an honorary PhD and the title of honorary professor on President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Both leaders have termed the agreements as a guarantee of new opportunities.

The Uzbek president thanked the prime minister and invited him to visit Tashkent for the next meeting.