PESHAWAR ( WNAM REPORT): The Delegation from International Institute for Central Asia Tashkent (IICA) including H.E. Ambassador Javlon Vakhabov the Director, H.E. Ambassador Kadambay Sultanov the Chief Research Fellow at IICA, Mr. Alouddin Kamilov the leading Research Fellow, IICA, and diplomats from the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Islamabad visited Area Study Centre for Central Asia University of Peshawar . Prof Shabir Ahmad Khan warmly welcomed the honorable delegates from the counter part of the Area Study Centre. The delegates visited various sections of the Area Study Centre including the library, auditorium, scholar lodge and Ali Sher Navoi research corner. Prof Shabir briefly introduced the Area Study Centre University of Peshawar and the Centre’s academic and research achievements since its establishment in 1975. He also talked on the evolving Central Asian geo-political and geo-economic landscape and the regional connectivity initiatives. Prof Shabir also emphasized the exchange of research material to study the region and know each other through our own lenses and sources.
The areas of mutual cooperation particularly signing of MoU discussed. Excellency Javlon Vakhabov introduced the Institute for Central Asia and the main areas focused by the Institute. He highlighted the efforts initiated by the President of Uzbekistan to promote regional cooperation and resolve regional issues related to water and borders in mutual consultation. The Consultative Forum has been revived in the Central Asia with the efforts of H.E. Shavkat Mirziyoyev the President of Uzbekistan where regional issues are addressed and resolved in mutual consultation, the Ambassador added. He said that the forthcoming visit of Excellency Shahbaz Sharif the Prime Minister of Pakistan to Uzbekistan will be instrumental in further enhancing comprehensive strategic, economic and political relations between the two brotherly countries. Ambassador Javlon also mentioned the C5+1 format which demonstrate a regional approach by Central Asian Republics while dealing with major powers as a group. 
Prof Azmat Hayat former Director of the Area Study Centre and former VC University of Peshawar highlighted the historical and cultural links between Pakistan and Uzbekistan and emphasized on close coordination on regional issues of security and connectivity. Ambassador Kadambay Sultanov talked about the ways and means to enhance bilateral trade which is already enhanced. He said that the bilateral trade between Pakistan and Uzbekistan has increased 11 times since 2017. Mr. Alouddin Kamilov highlighted the trade potential between the countries and emphasized on developed trans-Afghan transport network for Central and South Asia connectivity.
Dr Ibrar Assistant Prof department of Criminology, University of Peshawar talked about the research and academic cooperation and faculty exchange programs for sharing learning experiences and understanding each other.
He emphasized on enhanced people to people to contacts and ties as such ties provide the foundation for overall relations. Both the sides agreed to initiate process for signing a MoU between the two institutions having same mandate to formally start research and academic cooperation. In the end Prof Shabir thanked the honorable delegates for visiting the Area Study Centre University of Peshawar and showing interests in enhancing collaboration between the two institutions.
