Visa-Free Travel for Diplomats: Pakistan and Uzbekistan Ink Historic Agreements on Defence, Technology, and Youth Empowerment

**Pakistan and Uzbekistan Strengthen Ties with High-Profile Agreements on Defence, Technology, and Youth Empowerment**

 

Tashkent: Pakistan and Uzbekistan signed multiple agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) on Wednesday, covering key areas such as defence, technology, technical training, and youth empowerment. The signing ceremony took place during Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s two-day official visit to Uzbekistan at the invitation of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The high-profile event saw the exchange of pre-signed documents between officials from both nations, marking a significant step forward in strengthening diplomatic, economic, and strategic ties. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Mirziyoyev presided over the ceremony, which followed extensive bilateral meetings and delegation-level talks.

Key Agreements Signed

1. Defence and Security Cooperation

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov exchanged agreements on military intelligence and internal affairs, signaling a new era of collaboration in defence and security.

2.Visa-Free Travel for Diplomats 

The two nations also agreed to allow visa-free travel for diplomatic passport holders, a move aimed at facilitating smoother diplomatic engagements and fostering closer ties.

3. Scientific Research and Technology

An inter-government agreement was signed to enhance collaboration in scientific research, technology, and innovation. Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and Uzbek Deputy Prime Minister Khodjayev Jamshid exchanged the documents, underscoring the commitment to advancing technological cooperation.

4. Youth Empowerment and Training

A significant MoU was signed between Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s Youth Programme and the Government of Uzbekistan on youth affairs. Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaulah Tarar and Director of the Youth Affairs Agency of Uzbekistan, Sa’dullayev Alisher, exchanged the documents, highlighting a shared vision for empowering the younger generation.

5. News Agency Collaboration

The news agencies of both countries also entered into a cooperation agreement, with Minister Attaulah Tarar and Director General of the National Information Agency of Uzbekistan, Kuchimov Abdusaid, formalizing the partnership.

6. Sister City Agreement

An MoU was signed to establish a sister city relationship between Lahore, Pakistan, and Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Tashkent Mayor Shavkat Umurzakov Buranovich exchanged the documents, paving the way for cultural and economic exchanges between the two cities.

Joint Declaration and Strategic Council

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Mirziyoyev concluded the visit by signing a joint declaration outlining the outcomes of the discussions. Additionally, protocols were established to form a High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council, aimed at institutionalizing long-term collaboration between the two nations.

The agreements reflect the growing strategic partnership between Pakistan and Uzbekistan, with a focus on mutual growth and regional stability. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the importance of these accords, stating, “This visit marks a new chapter in our bilateral relations, one that is rooted in shared goals and mutual respect.”

President Mirziyoyev echoed these sentiments, highlighting the potential for increased trade, investment, and cultural exchanges. “Our partnership with Pakistan is a cornerstone of our foreign policy, and these agreements will further solidify our ties,” he said.

The visit and the subsequent agreements have been widely hailed as a significant milestone in Pakistan-Uzbekistan relations, with experts predicting a surge in economic and strategic collaboration in the coming years.