Presidents of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan make separate official visits in February
President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev speaks at a conference. PHOTO: AFP
ISLAMABAD:
Islamabad is expected to become a key diplomatic hub next week as the presidents of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan undertake separate official visits to Pakistan, reflecting the country’s growing engagement with Central Asian states.
According to official sources, the schedules and agendas for the two high-level visits have been finalized. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is expected to visit Pakistan on February 3-4, followed by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on February 5-6.
During President Tokayev’s visit, Pakistan and Kazakhstan are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding in the railway sector, aimed at strengthening bilateral connectivity and cooperation in transport infrastructure.
According to the Uzbek news agency UzA, Mirziyoyev’s visit to Pakistan and the high-level talks in Islamabad will take place against the backdrop of an unprecedented intensification of bilateral political dialogue.
“The negotiations are aimed at the practical implementation of a key economic goal: increasing the volume of mutual trade exchanges to $2 billion in the coming years. The central element of the agenda will be the structural transformation of economic cooperation,” a report said.
UzA also cited the words of the Uzbek Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade that the Uzbekistan-Pakistan Business Forum and the “Made in Uzbekistan” exhibition will be held in Islamabad on February 5-6.
