Islamabad : In a significant diplomatic gesture, President Asif Ali Zardari awarded the Nishan-e-Pakistan, the highest civilian honor of the country, to Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on Friday. This recognition was given for Mirziyoyev’s vital role in enhancing the friendship and cooperation between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.
The award ceremony was held at Aiwan-e-Sadr and attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, federal cabinet members, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, diplomats, parliamentarians, and other notable figures. A state banquet followed the formal event in honor of the visiting Uzbek leader.
Prior to the ceremony, the two presidents held a bilateral meeting where President Zardari highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to its longstanding brotherly relationship with Uzbekistan, rooted in shared history, culture, and religious ties. He emphasized Pakistan’s eagerness to boost collaboration through improved connectivity, trade, and stronger people-to-people relations.
President Zardari praised Mirziyoyev as a visionary reformer who has modernized Uzbekistan and contributed significantly to regional peace and stability. He credited the Uzbek president for bringing the two nations closer and described Pakistan and Uzbekistan as natural allies with intertwined futures.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to deepen cooperation in various fields including trade, connectivity, defense, security, culture, and heritage. Highlighting the benefits of direct air links, Zardari noted their role in fostering closer interactions, and underscored regional projects like the Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan Railway, urging joint efforts to overcome existing challenges.
Noting the increasing bilateral trade volume, President Zardari called for efforts to unlock the full economic potential, aiming to reach a trade target of $2 billion. He also encouraged expanding tourism, cultural exchanges, and cooperation between financial institutions to facilitate trade and investment.
In response, President Mirziyoyev reaffirmed Uzbekistan’s dedication to strengthening its friendship and strategic partnership with Pakistan. He expressed satisfaction with growing bilateral ties, including expanded trade and joint ventures, and instructed his ministers to work closely with their Pakistani counterparts.
Mirziyoyev emphasized the importance of deepening practical cooperation through enhanced political dialogue, stronger economic links, and increased business exchanges. He extended an invitation to President Zardari for an official visit to Uzbekistan and announced the introduction of two more direct flights, increasing weekly flights between the countries to six, to further boost tourism, business, and people-to-people connectivity.
