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BEIJING: Pakistan and Uzbekistan on Saturday underlined the need of global efforts to provide economic and humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan in a bid to avoid economic crisis in the war-torn country.
The resolve came during a meeting between Prime Minister Imran Khan and President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev on the sidelines of Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony in Beijing.
Stressing the need for practical engagement, the two leaders agreed that a peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan was vital for regional stability as well as for the realisation of infrastructure and connectivity projects.
According to a statement issued by PM’s office, the two leaders exchanged views in detail on the entire gamut of bilateral relations based on shared bonds of faith, history and culture and marked by cordiality and close cooperation.
They reaffirmed their resolve to comprehensively upgrade the Pakistan-Uzbekistan partnership across the broad spectrum and continue taking practical steps for the implementation of the key projects.
PM Imran underscored the importance of enhanced trade and economic cooperation, particularly through operationalising the landmark bilateral Transit Trade Agreement (UPTTA) and finalising the Preferential Trade Agreement.
He also reiterated Pakistan’s full support of the Trans-Afghan railway project and exchanged views on next steps in taking it forward over the coming months.
To further improve connectivity and people-to-people contacts, the statement said, the prime minister underlined the need to enhance tourism, take all steps for resuming direct flights, strengthen banking links, and facilitate visas procedures.
The two leaders also discussed cooperation in education and culture and recognised progress on joint research and media ventures, including joint film on Baburi heritage and dubbing of Pakistani dramas in the Uzbek language.
PM stated that the people of Pakistan were looking forward to welcoming President Mirziyoyev on his visit to Pakistan. The two sides agreed to work closely to ensure the concrete outcome of the visit, the statement further said.