Following the talks, Uzbekistan and Pakistan leaders held a briefing for media representatives.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev called the official visit of the Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan an important political event that opens a new page in the history of interstate relations.

“We are pleased that in recent years our multifaceted relations have been rising to an even higher level of quality and content. The talks that have just ended in a contracted and expanded format have proved the firmness of our intentions to develop friendship and cooperation. Taking into account the current high level of cooperation between Uzbekistan and Pakistan, we have signed a Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership between the two countries. We can say with confidence that this important step will open a new era in the history of our relations”, Shavkat Mirziyoyev said.

“This is my first visit to Uzbekistan, and I hope that it will not be the last. Mr. President and I had a very meaningful dialogue. The sincerity and duration of the conversation were such that at the end I began to understand Uzbek. After all, Urdu and Uzbek are similar. Today, both Pakistan and Uzbekistan are carrying out consonant work to support low-income segments of the population, reduce poverty, and develop education. We have thoroughly discussed the possibilities of cooperation in trade-economic, transport, educational, cultural and tourism spheres, and reached strategic agreements”, Imran Khan noted.

It was noted that during the fruitful talks held in an atmosphere of mutual trust and openness, in a sincere and pragmatic spirit, new opportunities for the partnership were considered and growth points were identified. It was emphasized that the volume of bilateral trade has increased fourfold in recent years, the parties agreed to increase this indicator by another four to five times.

At the meeting of the joint Intergovernmental Commission held on the eve of the visit and within the framework of today’s business forum, agreements were reached on specific projects worth more than $500 million. Among them, we should mention the Agreement on Transit and Trade, which will serve to achieve the large-scale plans outlined by our countries.

An agreement was also reached on the implementation of new joint projects in agriculture, seed and animal husbandry, mechanical engineering and construction, pharmaceuticals and chemistry, light industry and other priority areas, as well as on the establishment of direct ties between the regions.

The construction of Termez – Mazar-i-Sharif – Kabul – Peshawar railway line was considered in detail.

As it was noted at the briefing, the parties also agreed to enhance security cooperation. The parties confirmed their mutual support within the framework of authoritative international and regional structures.

Prospects for cooperation in tourism and culture were also discussed.