Editor's Note.

After assuming office in December 2016, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev took charge as a visionary leader of Republic of Uzbekistan having strong will to transform not only the country but also the region with renewed wisdom to work for peace and prosperity.

It was more than a decade that half hearted attempts were made to discuss the cooperation at the domestic level and there were cross regional disputes over water resources, borders and there existed mistrust. President Mirziyoyev took charge when the regional disputes amongst countries were mounting and there was a deep desire and wish for the unity amongst states.

However President Mirziyoyev, after assuming office, put emphasis on the domestic reforms and regional outreach with the neighboring countries. One of the most historical events was when President Mirziyoyev visited Tajikistan in March 2018 after 17 long years while Tajik President reciprocated the visit in August 2018. The visit marked a start of new era of relations between both states where there was also resumption of direct flights between the two capitals.

Not only the flights were resumed but visa regime was simplified, transport connections restored and as a result millions of people have crossed the Uzbek-Tajik border. The credit goes to the President of Uzbekistan for being open, visionary and welcoming to the changes and his leadership has weakened the forces that were benefiting before as a result of the status quo.

As a result of these encouraging steps, other Central Asian countries also begin embarking on the desire for greater level of regional cooperation to achieve economic modernization and development. Pakistan and Uzbekistan have deep historical linkages based on mutual interest of visualizing the regional peace and stability.

Recently, Uzbekistan also hosted one of the largest conferences on finding peace in Afghanistan, wherein Pakistan also participated. Both states shared similar visions on somewhat all the regional and international issues. Pakistan do hope that presence of visionary leader like President Shavkat Mirziyoyev will result in the concrete regional integration and cooperation will be enhanced.

Pakistan values its relations with Uzbekistan and consider the country as a strategic partner and a strong ally in pursuit of the regional economic development and peace. We also believe and desire for the high level visit of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev as this will provide a further boost Both...