ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Uzbekistan on Thursday signed 28 wide-ranging agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) to expand cooperation across multiple sectors, marking a significant step toward elevating bilateral ties into a comprehensive strategic partnership.

The accords were signed during the visit of Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Pakistan. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Mirziyoyev addressed a joint press conference at the Prime Minister’s House, where the signing ceremony was also held in the presence of ministers and senior officials from both sides.

Uzbek President Mirziyoyev arrives in Pakistan on two-day state visit

The agreements cover diverse areas including defence, agriculture, trade, industry, education, culture, disaster management, pharmaceuticals, and regional connectivity. Officials said the pacts reflect a shared resolve to deepen people-to-people contacts and broaden economic and diplomatic engagement.

Among the key accords was an MoU between the foreign ministries of both countries to enhance diplomatic cooperation. A protocol was exchanged to expand the list of goods under the Preferential Trade Agreement, while an agreement was reached to establish an Inter-Regional Forum. An action plan was also finalized for defence cooperation.

Other agreements included collaboration on climate change mitigation, disaster management, food security, and agricultural research. Protocols were signed for cooperation in plant protection, while MoUs were exchanged to promote sports and expand cooperation in information technology.

The two sides also concluded agreements to curb narcotics smuggling, enhance cooperation in mining and geosciences, and facilitate the transfer of convicted persons. Further accords covered science, education, preservation of cultural heritage, maritime cooperation, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and the development of small and medium-sized enterprises.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the agreements would open new avenues of cooperation and strengthen economic and cultural ties between the two countries. President Mirziyoyev described the partnership as a reflection of the longstanding brotherly relations between Pakistan and Uzbekistan, emphasizing the importance of regional connectivity and mutual development.

The ceremony concluded with the exchange of documents and commitments to implement the accords, underscoring both countries’ determination to build a stronger, future-oriented relationship.