TASHKENT, JUN 22 /DNA/ – With both countries possessing rich cultural heritages, what steps are being taken to promote bilateral tourism, and are there any joint ventures planned in this sector?
Uzbekistan and Pakistan share a unique cultural and historical heritage, which holds great significance not only for our peoples but also for the entire Muslim world. The fact that both countries are the birthplace of outstanding Islamic scholars, architects, and cultural figures provides a strong foundation for the development of spiritual and cultural tourism.
The development of bilateral tourism is one of the priorities on our agenda. In recent years, we have seen growing interest among Pakistani citizens in traveling to Uzbekistan, especially to such holy and historic cities as Bukhara, Samarkand, Tashkent, and Khiva. Similarly, more and more Uzbeks are showing interest in visiting Lahore, Karachi, and other historical cities in Pakistan.
To stimulate tourist flows, specific measures are being taken. Starting from September 2024, the visa process for Pakistani citizens was simplified. Regular flights are operated twice a week on “Tashkent-Lahore” route. Negotiations are underway to expand direct air connections between our countries, including the opening of new flights. Efforts are also being made to establish new cooperation agreements between tourism organizations and tour operators.
Joint projects in the field of ziyorat tourism are also planned, including tours to holy sites. We are considering the creation of cultural and tourist routes tracing the footsteps of our great ancestors and Muslim scholars, as well as the implementation of programs for tourist exchanges, participation in exhibitions, festivals, and fairs.
The Embassy of Uzbekistan in Pakistan is actively promoting Uzbekistan’s tourism potential through information campaigns, presentations, and supporting initiatives to develop direct connections between the relevant institutions of both countries.
We are confident that the activation of tourism will not only contribute to economic cooperation but also strengthen the friendship and mutual understanding between our peoples.
8: Agriculture plays a significant role in both economies. Are there plans for collaborative projects or knowledge sharing in agricultural technologies and practices?
Agriculture indeed holds a strategic position in the economies of both Uzbekistan and Pakistan, ensuring food security, employment, and export potential.
Given the similar climatic conditions and shared challenges in this sector, our countries possess great potential for mutually beneficial cooperation.
Currently, active work is underway to expand cooperation in the agricultural sector. We are exploring opportunities to create joint ventures for the processing of agricultural products, the introduction of modern irrigation and greenhouse technologies, seed production, and logistics.
Special attention is being given to the implementation of drip irrigation, the digitalization of agriculture, and the exchange of innovative solutions, in which both Uzbekistan and Pakistan have accumulated significant experience.
There is also consideration of organizing joint agro-forums, exhibitions, as well as scientific and educational programs to facilitate the exchange of knowledge between agricultural universities and relevant research institutes of both countries.
In the long term, we aim to create a platform for the systematic exchange of best practices, specialist training, and the promotion of sustainable agriculture.
Uzbekistan is interested in joint production of agricultural machinery, technologies for product storage and processing, as well as learning from Pakistan’s experience in growing certain crops, including rice and vegetables.
We are confident that the development of agricultural cooperation between Uzbekistan and Pakistan will bring tangible economic and social benefits, as well as contribute to strengthening food security in the region.
9: As the Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan, what initiatives are you prioritizing to further strengthen the bilateral relationship in the coming years?
As the Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, I consider my primary task to be the comprehensive strengthening of the strategic partnership between our fraternal countries.
In this context, I would highlight several priority areas that we intend to actively work on in the coming years.
First and foremost, it is the deepening of economic cooperation. We aim to expand the volume of bilateral trade, implement large-scale investment and infrastructure projects, and enhance business contacts between the entrepreneurs of the two countries. Special attention is being paid to promoting projects such as the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway and the creation of logistics hubs.
The second area is diplomatic and institutional interaction. We plan to maintain regular high-level visits, expand inter-parliamentary and inter-agency links, and strengthen cooperation within international organizations such as the SCO, OIC, and others.
The third area is security cooperation. We continue the dialogue and exchange of experience on issues of regional stability, combating terrorism, extremism, and transnational crime, building trust and coordination at the level of relevant agencies.
Equally important is the expansion of humanitarian ties. We plan to enhance cultural exchanges, educational programs, academic cooperation, and tourism initiatives. It is crucial for our peoples, especially the youth, to get to know each other better – this is the foundation for strong friendship and sustainable interaction.
Furthermore, I consider it extremely important to create platforms for direct communication between regions, universities, business communities, and civil societies of our countries.
I am confident that with the support of the leadership of Uzbekistan and Pakistan, and thanks to the friendly sentiments between our peoples, we will be able to elevate bilateral relations to a qualitatively new level and further strengthen our strategic partnership.=DNA
