Joint Declaration- On Next Steps in the Strategic Partnership between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

1. At the invitation of the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan His Excellency Mr. Imran Khan, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan His Excellency Mr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev paida state visit to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on March 3-4, 2022.

2. The Leaders of the two countries held comprehensive consultations and considered all aspects of bilateral relations, paying special attention to the development of cooperation in the trade and economic sphere, science and technology, culture, education, security and defense and regional connectivity.

3. Emphasizing the centuries-old historical, religious, cultural and scientific ties between the two peoples and based on previously reached agreements, the parties agreed to further deepen and expand strategic partnership in all areas and in this context, decided to conclude a treaty on strategic partnership.

4. The Leaders also exchanged views on issues of global and regional importance, intensifying contacts in international forums, including within the framework of the United Nations, Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Shanghai Cooperation Organization and Economic Cooperation Organization.

5. The two Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to close interaction based on common positions and to continue the practice of mutual support at international and regional forums on all issues of mutual interest.

6. Prime Minister Imran Khan congratulated the President of Uzbekistan on the chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) in 2022 and expressed Pakistan's full support for Uzbekistan's activities within the SCO and OIC, including the holding of the SCO Summit in the second half of 2022.

7. The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed the readiness to provide support to Pakistan's initiative to create a poverty alleviation mechanism during the period of Uzbekistan's chairmanship in the SCO.

8. Welcoming the 30thanniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations,the two Leaders agreed to celebrate this milestone in a befitting manner by organizing joint activities.

9. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev shared his vision on the "New Uzbekistan" strategy and stated that the reform process is aimed at the socio-economic interests of the people of Uzbekistan and the region as a whole. The Strategy lays emphasis on strengthening economic diplomacy and sets tasks to bring existing relations with...