BISHKEK (Kashmir English): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held separate meetings with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council.
Pakistan, Iran discuss regional tensions and bilateral ties
During his meeting with President Masoud Pezeshkian, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s longstanding brotherly relations with Iran and stressed the need to further expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
The two leaders discussed Pakistan-Iran relations, regional developments and efforts to reduce tensions. They also emphasized the importance of implementing the understandings reached during President Pezeshkian’s visit to Pakistan in June.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan would continue making sincere efforts for peace and stability in the region. Referring to Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir’s recent visit to Tehran, he expressed hope that the constructive engagements would produce positive results.
The two sides also reviewed efforts to strengthen regional cooperation and people-to-people contacts.
Pakistan, Uzbekistan reaffirm $2bn trade target
In his meeting with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries and increasing bilateral trade to $2 billion by 2029.
The leaders discussed cooperation in industry, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, textiles, mining, digital technology, education, culture, defence and security.
Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasized timely implementation of decisions taken at the leadership level, particularly those relating to trade, investment, regional connectivity and economic cooperation.
He also welcomed progress on air connectivity, including direct flights between Tashkent and Karachi.
Highlighting regional connectivity as a shared priority, the prime minister stressed the importance of the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Railway project, which could strengthen links between Central and South Asia and provide Uzbekistan access to Pakistani seaports.
