ISLAMABAD, MAR 4 (DNA) – President of Pakistan Dr. Arif Alvi said on Monday relations between Pakistan and Uzbekistan are exemplary adding these relations would get a further boost in the coming days.

The President also underlined importance of Uzbekistan in Ziyarah tourism and said both countries have great potential to strengthen bilateral cooperation in this particular field.

The President expressed these views during his meeting with Ambassador of Uzbekistan Furqat Sidikov who called on him at the Aiwan-e-Sadr.

President Alvi said people of both counties can be encouraged to visit such places by further easing visa regime.

The President said this potential can be exploited by giving visa facilitation to citizens of the two countries, he added.

The President pointed out that Pakistan in the next five years would focus on greater rail and road connectivity, building oil and gas pipelines and electricity transmission networks with its regional neighbors, including Uzbekistan.

He highlighted that Gwadar Seaport with our national road and railway networks would offer shortest route available to Uzbekistan in the region to a seaport. He appreciated Uzbekistan’s proposal of a railway link between Pakistan, Afghanistan and Uzbekistan and welcomed its lead to host the 1st Expert meeting in December 2018.

The President also welcomed Uzbek initiatives for regional peace and security, especially for the reconciliation efforts in Afghanistan.

He further said that Pakistan fully supports and encourages the peace talks between all stakeholders for a durable peace in Afghanistan. Enduring peace and stability in Afghanistan is in Pakistan`s interest, he added. He also appreciated Uzbekistan’s support for Pakistan’s successful election to the UN Human Rights Council.

=DNA

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