RAWALPINDI: Defence Minister Ch.Ahmad Mukhtar on Tuesday stressed
that Pakistan and Uzbekistan are keen to promote friendly ties
including defence.
Defence Minister Ch.Ahmad Mukhtar and his
Uzbek counterpart Lt. Gen Diev Kabul Raimovich, during a call on
meeting between Pakistan and Uzbekistan here in Defence Ministry, it
was emphasized and pledged that both the countries would promote
friendly ties encompassing all fields including Defence.
As an initiative Pakistan offered the shortest sea route to Uzbek goods through Gawadar and Karachi ports.
It
also merits a mention here that Pakistan was amongst the first three
countries to open embassy in Tashkent in June 1992, the situation in
Afghanistan was also discussed in detail. Both Pakistan and Uzbekistan
face similar security challenges due to evolving situation in
Afghanistan. It was stressed upon to meet more frequently to share and
understand each others perspective, arrives at common policy objectives
and coordinated response so as to safeguard their respective national
interest. As an immediate neighbour of Afghanistan, like Pakistan,
Uzbekistan undoubtedly has an important role to promote peace and
security in the region.
The Defence Minister, Ch. Ahmad Mukhtar
thanked the Uzbek Militaryleadership for supporting Pakistan’s bid for
full membership of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
The
Uzbek Defence Minister will stay in Pakistan till 7th October. He will
have important meetings with various high ups of the country. Online
