Uzbekistan and Pakistan strengthen ties with ‘Umrah Plus’ tourism initiative

Following the meeting, the leaders signed a joint declaration and a protocol establishing a High Council for Strategic Partnership. Additionally, they concluded agreements on:

• Cooperation in science, technology, and innovation,
• Visa-free travel for diplomatic passport holders,
• Collaboration between interior ministries,
• Partnership in vocational education,
• Youth policy cooperation,
• Strengthening ties between the administrations of Tashkent and Lahore, among others.

At a joint press conference, Mirziyoyev described the visit as the beginning of a "new chapter in Uzbek-Pakistani strategic partnership."

An upcoming meeting with a delegation of leading Pakistani companies will focus on joint projects. The discussions highlighted the importance of expanding cooperation in pharmaceuticals, engineering, textiles, and leather industries, with an emphasis on exporting products to third-country markets.

One of the key topics of the talks was increasing bilateral trade volume and product range. Both sides discussed industrial cooperation, transport connectivity, and creating favorable conditions for businesses.

Cultural and humanitarian exchanges were also a priority. Uzbekistan and Pakistan agreed to organize cultural and arts festivals and to increase tourism flows, particularly under the ‘Umrah Plus’ pilgrimage travel program.