Pakistani PM to visit Uzbekistan this week

Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will pay an official visit to Uzbekistan on Nov. 17 to 18 as part of the regular high-level exchanges between the two countries, officials said Monday.

During his stay in Tashkent, the prime minister will have meetings with Uzbekistan President Islam Karimov, covering all aspects of bilateral relations, the Foreign Ministry said.

The two leaders would also review the evolving regional peace and security scenario and discuss ways in which the two countries could work together and better coordinate to confront terrorist threats in the region, a statement said.

A joint declaration and a few documents will be signed during the visit to enhance bilateral ties.

"Pakistan attaches high importance to its deep historical bonds with the Central Asia and is committed to expanding mutually-beneficial cooperation with all the countries in the region," the Foreign Ministry said.

It said the visit will provide an important opportunity to strengthen and consolidate cooperation in the fields of energy, trade, regional connectivity, culture, tourism and people-to-people contacts, while exploring new areas of collaboration. Endit