By Asghar Ali Mubarak
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari said on Friday that Pakistan attaches great importance to its close and brotherly ties with Uzbekistan, describing the partnership as natural and enduring, rooted in shared history, culture, and faith.
President Zardari made the remarks during a meeting with his Uzbek counterpart, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who called on him at Aiwan-e-Sadr, according to a press release from the presidency. He said Pakistan was committed to elevating bilateral relations through closer cooperation in connectivity, trade, and people-to-people contacts.
Describing President Mirziyoyev as a visionary statesman, Zardari praised his leadership in transforming Uzbekistan into a modern and prosperous country. “Pakistan and Uzbekistan are natural partners with intertwined futures,” he said, noting the positive trajectory of bilateral relations. He reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening cooperation in trade, connectivity, defence, security, culture, and heritage.
President Mirziyoyev said Uzbekistan placed great importance on strengthening friendship and the strategic partnership with Pakistan. He welcomed the steady growth in bilateral contacts, including the expansion of trade, joint ventures, and cooperation projects in priority sectors.
Later, during a Special Investiture Ceremony, President Zardari conferred the Nishan-e-Pakistan on President Mirziyoyev in recognition of his role in strengthening Pakistan-Uzbekistan relations. The ceremony was attended by PM Shehbaz Sharif, federal cabinet members, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, diplomats, and parliamentarians, and was followed by a state banquet in honor of the visiting president.
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