Uzbekistan and Pakistan have entered a new phase of strategic partnership following the inaugural meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council after the sides signed a landmark package of agreements covering trade, investment, security, technology, culture, and regional cooperation.

In the presence of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the two sides signed a Joint Declaration outlining a broad and ambitious agenda for bilateral cooperation, The Caspian Post reports via Uzbek media.

The signing ceremony marked a new phase in Uzbekistan-Pakistan relations, with agreements spanning diplomacy, trade, security, science, culture, and regional development. Among the key documents exchanged were a Cooperation Program between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs for 2026-2028, agreements establishing the Uzbekistan-Pakistan Business Council and Interregional Forum, and a protocol expanding the list of goods covered under the Preferential Trade Agreement.

Economic cooperation featured prominently, with deals covering port services and tariff discounts, mining and geology, agriculture and agricultural research, textiles, pharmaceuticals, digital and information technologies, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises. Cultural and humanitarian ties were also reinforced through agreements on culture, sports, and the preservation and promotion of the scientific, educational, cultural, and architectural heritage of the Great Baburids Dynasty.

The two countries further agreed to enhance cooperation in sensitive and strategic areas, including radiation and nuclear safety, ecology and natural disaster response, emergency management, anti-corruption efforts, and the fight against illicit drug trafficking. Legal cooperation was strengthened through an agreement on the transfer of sentenced persons, while trade facilitation advanced with a protocol on phytosanitary requirements for exporting Uzbek fresh apples, figs, lemons, and hot peppers to Pakistan.

In the security sphere, a dedicated roadmap was signed between the Ministries of Defense of both nations. Additional documents established the Uzbekistan-Pakistan Council of Experts and expanded institutional ties between economic authorities, regional administrations, think tanks, and universities in Termez, Peshawar, Samarkand, Islamabad, and Tashkent.

Together, the extensive package of agreements signals both countries’ intention to build a long-term, multifaceted partnership with strong political backing and practical mechanisms for implementation.