The foundation of diplomatic relations between Uzbekistan and Pakistan is based on cooperation, mutual respect, and the pursuit of shared interests. These ties are rooted in historical, cultural, and geopolitical factors, serving as a bridge between the regions of Central and South Asia.
It is worth noting that the partnership between the two countries in trade and economy, transport and communications, cultural and humanitarian cooperation, and security is strengthening year by year.
In particular, high-level meetings and negotiations in recent years have elevated these relations to an entirely new level.
The next guest of the “Diplomatic Perspective” project is Ahmed Farooq, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the Republic of Uzbekistan.
– Mr. Ambassador, welcome, and thank you for accepting our invitation!
– It is my pleasure. Thank you for inviting me to your program.
– Diplomatic relations between Uzbekistan and Pakistan are well established. How has the political will of the two heads of state positively influenced this cooperation?
– You know, Pakistan and Uzbekistan share long-standing relations, and our peoples have a common spiritual, cultural, and historical heritage. Moreover, there is great potential for mutually beneficial cooperation between our countries. Today, the leaders of our two states are striving to realize this potential, continue the historical legacy, and ensure prosperity for our citizens.
A noteworthy aspect is that the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif have met twice already this year. The visit of our Prime Minister to your country was a successful and historic one. Recently, our leaders met again in the city of Khankendi within the framework of the Economic Cooperation Organization summit.
The foreign ministers of the two countries also maintain regular contact. Our heads of state are also in constant communication by phone. Any high-level cooperation helps to expand relations. In general, we are striving to elevate the steadily progressing relations to even greater heights.
– As is known, many initiatives are being implemented to strengthen the economies of our countries. Among them, which projects can be recognized as strategically significant? In which other areas can cooperation be established?
– Indeed, there are many projects of strategic importance between our countries. I would like to highlight two main aspects in this regard. The first is economic cooperation, and the second is integration into the global economy. Both countries have sufficient economic potential. As you are aware, Pakistan’s population has surpassed 240 million. Uzbekistan accounts for half of the population of Central Asia, and your country’s economy is growing day by day. This means that there is vast potential for mutual trade and economic cooperation. For example, Pakistan can offer the shortest sea route to the Central Asian region.
In short, both sides are paying serious attention to these two areas and are developing cooperation accordingly.
– What is the current state of trade turnover between our countries, and which sectors in our country are considered attractive for Pakistani investors?
– At present, the trade turnover stands at around $400 million. During the meeting of our heads of state in Tashkent, the goal was set to increase this figure to $2 billion within the next four years.
As you are aware, we are actively working to eliminate all obstacles to trade, including standards, customs duties, and bureaucratic procedures. In addition, we have a preferential trade agreement. Pakistan and Uzbekistan are striving to expand this agreement. Furthermore, both sides now intend to sign a contract on trade and services.
Last year, Pakistan hosted its first exhibition in Central Asia, and I can say it was a great success. The second edition is scheduled for early next year. In February of this year, Uzbekistan also organized an exhibition in Lahore.
During the Prime Minister of Pakistan’s visit to your country this year, the two heads of state encouraged entrepreneurs. Shehbaz Sharif brought along several Pakistan’s leading business figures. Currently, approximately 130 joint ventures are operating in both countries. Cooperation in the textile and household appliances sectors has become significantly more active. In addition, we are currently exploring investment opportunities in several other industries.
– Pakistan became a member of the World Trade Organization in 1995. Based on your country’s experience, how do you assess Uzbekistan’s efforts and potential in joining this organization?
– Pakistan welcomes Uzbekistan’s accession to the WTO and has consistently supported it at all forums. We are eagerly awaiting this event. As for your country’s efforts in this regard, I would say the process has been organized in a highly professional manner. We wish our Uzbek brothers every success in this endeavor.
– Uzbekistan and Pakistan are viewed as a “geostrategic bridge” connecting Central and South Asia. In this context, let us discuss the Trans-Afghan Railway project. How significant is this initiative from a regional perspective?
– As is known, the seaports of Gwadar and Karachi are world-class infrastructure facilities connected to the rest of Pakistan via road networks.
Currently, a transit shipment, whether a container or another type of cargo, can reach Tashkent from Karachi in less than two weeks. The Trans-Afghan Railway, which will link Mazar-i-Sharif with Karachi, is expected to reduce the travel time from 14 days to just 4 days. Naturally, costs will also decrease. This demonstrates the importance of the initiative.
This project connects not only Pakistan and Uzbekistan through Afghanistan, but the entire Central Asian region. The three countries have agreed on the routes. Work on the development of a technical and economic feasibility study will begin shortly, after which large-scale construction will commence.
It will take several years to launch the Trans-Afghan Railway. A joint freight transportation enterprise is being established through cooperation between Uzbekistan’s “Centrum” and Pakistan’s “National Logistics” companies.
The first multimodal train, departing from Karachi, will arrive in Peshawar and then proceed to Mazar-i-Sharif and Moscow. In this way, we are launching a multimodal train service to ensure movement along this route.
– How is cooperation in cultural exchange and education progressing? What joint plans exist in the sphere of tourism?
– Pakistan and Uzbekistan share a long spiritual and historical bond. The Sufi saints of Samarkand and Bukhara are also highly regarded in Pakistan. Statesmen such as Amir Temur and Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur are honored in Pakistan just as they are in your country. We also deeply value the scientific legacy of scholars such as Beruni, Ibn Sina, and Al-Khwarizmi, among others.
Our architecture likewise reflects this common heritage. Take, for example, the Ark Fortress in Bukhara and the Lahore Fort (Shahi Qila) – the similarities are striking.
The heads of the two states paid special attention to cultural and people-to-people cooperation during their meeting in Tashkent. In this regard, we have set a goal to organize youth exchange delegations and jointly produce documentary films.
Until last year, there were no direct flights between our countries, or more precisely, they had been suspended following the COVID pandemic. Since November of last year, air service has resumed. Currently, there are three weekly flights from Tashkent: two to Lahore and one to Islamabad. These flights are mutually beneficial and financially viable.
Recently, an official tourism delegation from Pakistan visited and held discussions with their Uzbek counterparts. We are currently working on promoting the vast tourism potential of both countries.
– Historically, our peoples have been close to one another. On both sides, numerous institutions are interested in establishing mutually beneficial partnerships. From this perspective, what socio-political and cultural-humanitarian initiatives is the Embassy planning to further bring our nations closer together?
– What you have mentioned is part of a broader plan aimed at uniting our peoples. This process is known as “people’s diplomacy”.
Recently, the Uzbekistan national U19 cricket team visited Pakistan for a training camp. Our Embassy is also organizing Friendship Weeks. In August, we will host a photo exhibition showcasing the cultural heritage of Uzbekistan and Pakistan.
I visit leading universities in Uzbekistan to engage in dialogue and exchange views with young people. Various universities in both countries are also establishing mutual partnerships.
Additionally, we facilitate exchanges between experts from analytical and research centers.
– As is known, cooperation has been established between Uzbekistan National News Agency – UzA and Associated Press of Pakistan – APP, with a corresponding memorandum signed. What proposals would you offer for further developing this partnership, which covers information exchange and other areas?
– Information exchange is a significant area, and we have ample opportunities in this regard. Following the visit of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, discussions on expanding cooperation in information dissemination have become more frequent.
In my view, content exchange between the two agencies in the form of exclusive interviews, analytical articles, and photojournalism would enrich the substance of our partnership. Moreover, advancing joint media projects, such as preparing reports on cultural and tourism topics and organizing online webinars, would contribute to a deeper mutual understanding between our peoples.
Through internship programs and media training sessions for journalists, we can share advanced knowledge and experience. It is also essential to conduct joint analyses on combating the spread of misinformation and ensuring information security.
I have visited many regions of your country and can say that I have personally witnessed the commonalities between our two cultures. One example: Uzbek and Urdu share more than 4,000 common words. As you can see, we share many similarities. In the future, we can also launch mutually beneficial projects in literature and culture.
– The legacy of Babur is a spiritual bond that brings Andijan and Lahore closer together. Would you agree?
– Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur was a great statesman. The empire he founded, one of the wealthiest in South Asia, reached unparalleled territorial expanse during the reign of Aurangzeb.
At its peak, this empire accounted for nearly a quarter of the world’s gross domestic product. Just imagine: the political system, governance, architecture, norms, and justice they established played a significant role in the development of world civilizations. If you look at government buildings in Pakistan today, you will see reflections of that historic era.
In general, when Babur traveled from Andijan to Lahore, these regions became cultural capitals of our homeland. These aspects are the very elements that unite our shared heritage.
As I mentioned earlier, we could jointly produce a historical film about Babur. I can say with pride that we, Pakistanis, consider ourselves heirs to the Babur Empire.
– Mr. Ambassador, thank you for the meaningful conversation. I believe our dialogue will be of great benefit to many. We look forward to welcoming you again in UzA’s future projects.
– Thank you once again. I am pleased to have had the opportunity to speak with the people of Uzbekistan through UzA ( Courtesy: UzA)
