ISLAMABAD, Tuesday, February 10, 2026 (WNP): President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong commitment to deepening its close and brotherly relations with Uzbekistan, emphasizing the need for effective and timely follow-up on the wide-ranging outcomes of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s recent historic and result-oriented state visit to Pakistan.

The president made these remarks during a meeting with the Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Pakistan, Alisher Tukhtaev, who called on him at Aiwan-e-Sadr and formally handed over a letter from President Mirziyoyev.

In his message, President Mirziyoyev expressed sincere gratitude to President Zardari, the government, and the people of Pakistan for the warm hospitality and exceptional welcome extended to him during his visit. He also conveyed appreciation for being awarded the Nishan-e-Pakistan, the country’s highest civil honour, as well as for the conferral of an honorary doctorate and professorship, describing the gestures as symbols of deep mutual respect and enduring friendship.

President Zardari underscored Pakistan’s desire to translate the political understandings reached during the visit into tangible outcomes, reiterating Islamabad’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Uzbekistan across key priority sectors.

These include food and agriculture, mining, information technology, tourism, healthcare, and banking, which he identified as areas with strong potential for mutually beneficial growth.

Welcoming Uzbekistan’s interest in importing halal meat, fruits, and potatoes from Pakistan, the president termed the initiative a positive step toward enhancing bilateral trade and diversifying economic cooperation. He noted that such trade linkages would contribute to stronger people-to-people contacts and deeper economic integration between the two countries.

President Zardari also recalled President Mirziyoyev’s invitation, extended during their bilateral discussions, for an official visit to Uzbekistan. He formally accepted the invitation and directed the relevant Pakistani authorities to coordinate closely with their Uzbek counterparts to finalize the visit later this year.

The president further expressed his appreciation for President Mirziyoyev’s message of solidarity and support following the recent terrorist attack in Islamabad, reaffirming the shared resolve of Pakistan and Uzbekistan to continue their joint pursuit of peace, stability, and sustainable development in the region.

During the meeting, Ambassador Tukhtaev briefed President Zardari on Uzbekistan’s proposal to develop Babur Park in Islamabad’s F-7 sector as a symbol of shared historical and cultural heritage.

He said a relevant Uzbek minister was scheduled to visit Islamabad next week to hold detailed discussions with Pakistani authorities on the project.

The meeting reflected the growing momentum in Pakistan–Uzbekistan relations, as both sides seek to build on recent diplomatic breakthroughs and advance a comprehensive partnership anchored in economic cooperation, cultural exchange, and regional connectivity.