Presidents of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are making separate official visits in February
President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev speaks during a conference. PHOTO: AFP
ISLAMABAD:
Islamabad is set to emerge as a key diplomatic hub next week as the presidents of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan make separate official visits to Pakistan, reflecting the country’s growing engagement with Central Asian states.
According to official sources, the schedules and agendas for both high-level visits have been finalised. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is expected to visit Pakistan on February 3 and 4, followed by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on February 5 and 6.
During President Tokayev’s visit, Pakistan and Kazakhstan are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding in the railway sector aimed at improving bilateral relations and cooperation in transport infrastructure.
According to Uzbekistan’s UzA news agency, 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 talks are aimed at the practical implementation of a key economic goal: to increase the volume of mutual trade to 2 billion dollars in the coming years. The central element on the agenda will be the structural transformation of economic cooperation,” a report said.
UzA also quoted the Uzbek Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade as saying that the Uzbekistan-Pakistan Business Forum and “Made in Uzbekistan” exhibition will take place in Islamabad on 5-6. February.
