ISLAMABAD, Tuesday, June 16, 2026 (WNP): Pakistan and Uzbekistan have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in the railway sector and advancing regional connectivity during a meeting between Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi and Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan Alisher Tukhtaev.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed a range of matters of mutual interest, with particular focus on enhancing collaboration in railway infrastructure development, freight transportation, logistics and the exchange of technical expertise.

Both sides also agreed to further strengthen institutional cooperation between their respective railway authorities to ensure long-term, sustainable and mutually beneficial partnerships.

Speaking on the occasion, Hanif Abbasi described the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) Railway Corridor as a landmark regional initiative that would play a transformative role in promoting trade, economic integration and connectivity across Central and South Asia.

He said the project represents a historic step toward linking the landlocked Central Asian states with Pakistan’s seaports, opening new avenues for commerce, investment and economic growth throughout the region.

The minister reiterated Pakistan’s firm commitment to the timely completion of the UAP Railway Corridor, emphasizing that the project would significantly improve transportation networks and facilitate greater economic cooperation among participating countries.

Hanif Abbasi said Pakistan highly values its longstanding and brotherly relations with Uzbekistan and believes that deeper cooperation in the railway sector will contribute to enhanced regional connectivity, shared prosperity and sustainable economic development.

Ambassador Alisher Tukhtaev welcomed the growing cooperation between the two countries and expressed Uzbekistan’s strong interest in expanding collaboration with Pakistan in the railway sector and other strategic areas.

He underscored the importance of continued coordination and partnership to advance regional development objectives and strengthen economic ties between the two countries.

Both sides agreed to maintain close engagement and accelerate efforts aimed at realizing the full potential of regional connectivity projects, particularly the UAP Railway Corridor, which is widely regarded as a key component of broader regional integration initiatives.

The meeting reflected the shared vision of Pakistan and Uzbekistan to deepen bilateral relations and promote connectivity-driven economic growth, trade facilitation and people-to-people linkages across the region.