Secretary of the Security Council (National Security Advisor) of Uzbekistan Lt. Gen. Victor Makhmudov called on Prime Minister Imran Khan here on Tuesday and discussed bilateral ties.
National Security Advisor Dr. Moeed Yousaf and senior officials were present during the meeting.
While recalling a telephonic conversation with the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Prime Minister Imran Khan underlined the importance of enhanced trade and economic linkages and reiterated Pakistan’s support to regional connectivity.
The Prime Minister emphasized high-level interaction to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in all areas including economic, trade, investment, energy, security, and education sectors.
In the regional context, Prime Minister Imran Khan underscored the importance of a peaceful and stable Afghanistan and timely completion of regional infrastructure projects.
The Prime Minister reiterated his invitation to the Uzbek President to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience.
Earlier, National Security Advisor of Uzbekistan Lt. Gen. Victor Makhmudov and National Security Advisor Dr. Moeed Yusuf signed a historic “Protocol on Joint Security Commission”.
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Secretary of the Security Council of Uzbekistan Lt. Gen. Victor Makhmudov is on a three-day official visit to Pakistan and will be visiting the Torkham border and Pakistan Military Academy.
FM Qureshi meets Uzbekistan’s NSA
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi also met with Uzbekistan’s NSA. The two sides discussed Pakistan-Uzbekistan bilateral relations in particular cooperation on matters related to trade and economic cooperation, regional security, and defense.
The Foreign Minister emphasized the importance of enhanced political and economic linkages and operationalization of the Pakistan-Uzbekistan Transit Trade Agreement (UPTTA) recently signed between the two countries.
Highlighting the importance of regional connectivity in Pakistan’s “Vision Central Asia” policy, he reiterated Pakistan’s continued support of the Trans-Afghan railway project and reaffirmed commitment for its early completion. He said that peace and stability in Afghanistan were vital to reap the benefits of regional connectivity projects for the entire region.
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The Foreign Minister appreciated the signing of the Protocol between the two sides on the establishment of the Joint Security Commission (JSC) earlier in the day. He said that the newly created Commission will promote cooperation in security and defense areas.
Courtesy: APP with additional input by GVS