Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar expressed his satisfaction with the increasing level of bilateral cooperation during a meeting with Uzbekistan’s President, Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The meeting occurred on the sidelines of the 16th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. PM Kakar’s visit to Uzbekistan for the two-day event is aimed at strengthening ties between the two countries.
During their meeting, PM Kakar and President Mirziyoyev discussed various areas of cooperation, including politics, trade, economy, security, defense, and connectivity. Both leaders emphasized the importance of maintaining the momentum of their growing cooperation, highlighting recent agreements that will boost bilateral and transit trade and streamline the ECO trade agreement.
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar held a bilateral meeting with the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, on the sidelines of the 16th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) being held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan from 8-9 November… pic.twitter.com/dzd6vNDBRK
— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) November 8, 2023
Additionally, the leaders reiterated their commitment to finalizing a “Strategic Partnership Agreement” to promote regional economic integration and enhance regional connectivity. They also expressed their dedication to the early completion of the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway project, which would facilitate trade and connectivity in the region.
PM Kakar and President Mirziyoyev also addressed the ongoing humanitarian situation in Gaza, expressing concern about Israel’s actions following the October 7 attack by Hamas. The Foreign Office previously stated Pakistan’s commitment to ECO Vision 2025, which focuses on promoting regional cooperation in trade, transport, connectivity, energy, tourism, and economic growth and productivity.
Caretaker PM Kakar plans to present Pakistan’s vision for the future work of the ECO at the summit and engage in bilateral discussions with Uzbekistan’s leadership and other participating leaders.
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar has arrived in Tashkent, Uzbekistan to attend the 16th Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Summit.
— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) November 8, 2023
The Prime Minister was received by the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Abdullah Nagmatovich Aripov at Tashkent International Airport.… pic.twitter.com/0iF5OFlqVD
The Economic Cooperation Organisation, founded in 1985 in Tehran, is a regional interstate forum committed to enhancing connectivity and mutual prosperity in the ECO region. Uzbekistan is hosting the ECO summit for the first time, signifying the importance of regional cooperation.
PM Kakar is expected to return from Tashkent on Thursday and will then travel to Saudi Arabia on Friday to attend the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) emergency conference on Palestine. The primary objective of the OIC conference is to establish humanitarian corridors in Gaza.
This visit highlights Pakistan’s commitment to regional cooperation and its active role in addressing regional and global challenges.
