PNN: President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening cooperation with Uzbekistan in key sectors including food and agriculture, mining, information technology, tourism, health and banking.
The president expressed these views during a meeting with Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Pakistan, Alisher Tukhtaev, who called on him in Islamabad.
President Zardari stressed the importance of effective follow-up on the outcomes of the recent historic and result-oriented state visit of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Pakistan, saying Islamabad attaches great significance to its close and brotherly relations with Tashkent.
He welcomed Uzbekistan’s interest in importing halal meat, fruits and potatoes from Pakistan, terming it a positive step towards enhancing bilateral trade.
The president also conveyed his gratitude to President Mirziyoyev for his message of solidarity and support following the recent terrorist attack in Islamabad, reaffirming the shared resolve of both countries to continue their joint journey towards peace, stability and development.
During the meeting, Ambassador Tukhtaev handed over a letter from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to President Zardari. In the letter, the Uzbek president thanked President Zardari, the government and people of Pakistan for the warm hospitality extended during his visit.
President Mirziyoyev also expressed gratitude for being conferred the Nishan-e-Pakistan, Pakistan’s highest civil award, as well as for receiving an honorary professorship and doctorate.
The Uzbek ambassador also informed President Zardari of Uzbekistan’s desire to develop Babar Park in Islamabad’s F-7 sector, adding that a concerned Uzbek minister would visit Islamabad next week to hold discussions with Pakistani authorities regarding the project.