ISLAMABAD, Monday, September 29, 2025 (WNP): Acting President Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Monday received Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of Uzbekistan’s Oliy Majlis, Nuriddin Muydinkhonovich Ismoilov, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations anchored in shared history, culture, religion, and values.

Welcoming the visiting dignitary, Gilani said Pakistan attached great importance to its fraternal ties with Uzbekistan, which continue to expand across political, economic, and parliamentary spheres. He recalled his visit to Uzbekistan in April 2025 for the 150th Inter-Parliamentary Union, appreciating the warm hospitality extended to his delegation.

He hailed the signing of the Road Map for Accelerated Implementation of Agreements in June 2025 on the sidelines of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Istanbul and expressed hope that Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev would undertake an official visit to Pakistan soon, following Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s invitation.

The Acting President welcomed the regular convening of institutional mechanisms, including the Joint Ministerial Commission and Bilateral Political Consultations, noting the most recent sessions held in Tashkent in November 2024 and February 2025.

Highlighting the importance of inter-parliamentary engagement, Gilani said parliamentary diplomacy plays a vital role in building trust and cooperation. He underscored the need to further activate Parliamentary Friendship Groups in both countries through exchanges, joint meetings, and seminars.

On economic cooperation, Gilani expressed satisfaction with the upward trend in bilateral trade and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to raising trade volume to US$2 billion within four years, as agreed during the Prime Minister’s visit to Tashkent. He also welcomed Uzbekistan Airways’ resumption of direct flights between Tashkent and Lahore/Islamabad, calling it a step forward in enhancing people-to-people and business-to-business linkages.

Underscoring the regional dimension, the Acting President highlighted the strategic importance of the Trans-Afghan Railway Project, linking Uzbekistan and Pakistan via Afghanistan. He termed it a “game-changer” for regional trade and integration, with the potential to connect Central Asia to the Arabian Sea.

Gilani expressed confidence in the continued growth of Pakistan-Uzbekistan relations in all sectors and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to working closely with Tashkent to promote shared goals of peace, prosperity, and development in the region.