Pakistan and Uzbekistan have reaffirmed their commitment to further boost bilateral cooperation in the fields of trade, investment, regional connectivity, energy, mining, culture and agriculture.

The resolve was expressed during a joint news conference of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent on Wednesday.

Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said we affirmed that relations between the two countries are moving ahead in right direction.

He emphasized to further strengthen the historical and cultural relations between Pakistan and Uzbekistan saying that there is a need to open new avenues to enhance trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.

The Prime Minister termed the strong partnership between Pakistan and Uzbekistan as beneficial for the development and prosperity of both the countries and the entire region.

Turning to the achievements made by the incumbent government, Shehbaz Sharif said during the past one year, Pakistan's economy is really improving. The inflation rate has come down to 2.4  percent, interest rate has fallen down to 12 percent, exports particularly the IT exports are on rise and now Pakistan is moving towards the goal of economic growth. 

The Prime Minister also assured the Uzbek President in achieving the goal of establishing Trans-Afghan Railways project describing it a game changer not only for Pakistan, but for the entire region. 

In his remarks, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for visiting Uzbekistan and holding fruitful negotiations. He said we had fruitful negotiations and approved our planned roadmap for achieving the mutual goals.

He said the modern state of Pakistan is our tested ally and partner, whose international reputation is steadily growing.

Lauding Shehbaz Sharif, the President of Uzbekistan said Prime Minister Shehbaz despite the global challenges, is carrying out tremendous work to ensure peace and stability, improve the living standards of the people of Pakistan and accelerate the economic growth.

He said that relations between Uzbekistan and Pakistan have been developing dynamically.

The President of Uzbekistan said inter-governmental commission is working effectively, political consultations, while business events and exhibitions of national products have been successfully organizing.

He said a large delegation of Pakistani companies is also visiting Uzbekistan in these days conducting dialogues on the partnership agreements and development of different industries.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev said the visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Uzbekistan will open a new chapter in the expansion of our strategic partnership.

He said we confirmed our strong commitment to strengthening the bonds of our longstanding friendship. He said we also agreed to establishment of Pakistan-Uzbekistan High-Level Strategic Council.

Turning to prevailing situation in Afghanistan, the President of Uzbekistan said we will share a similar approach regarding joint contribution to social development of Afghanistan and resolving the Palestine issue.

He said we also agreed to establish a separate committee on Trans-Afghan Railways project.

The Uzbek President also accepted the invitation extended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to visit Pakistan.