LAHORE: Punjab Governor Rafique Rajwana has stressed the need for promoting cooperation in education and other sectors of mutual interest between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.
He was addressing a ceremony regarding the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Uzbekistan and Pakistan at a local hotel. Uzbekistan Ambassador to Pakistan Furqat Sidiqov, Kyrgyzstan Ambassador to Pakistan Erik Beishembiev, the ceremony’s Organizing Committee President Rohail Ikramul Haq, Secretary General Shahid Hassan, Ashraf Nizami,L ahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Abdul Basit and others also spoke on the occasion.
The governor said that Pakistan was the third country that opened up its embassy in Uzbekistan 25 years ago which is a testament to how much Pakistan values its relations with Uzbekistan. He added that since then, both countries have successfully developed excellent diplomatic relations.
He also appreciated Uzbekistan’s efforts for scaling up its literacy rate up to 98 per cent, which eminently showed its commitment, well-conceived policies and responsibilities with regards to promotion of education, research and technology.
Rafique Rajwana said that Pakistan is a peaceful country with a conducive environment for businesses to flourish for local and foreign investors. He added that Pakistan has immense investment opportunities in various sectors of economy including education, agriculture, and tourism, adding that Uzbek investors could get optimum benefits from these through investments and joint ventures all over Pakistan, especially in Punjab.
He mentioned that Pakistan has a vast population of energetic youth and both the countries could make the youth segment skillful through exchange of students.
The governor mentioned that the Pakistan government has effectively eliminated the menace of terrorism and people of Pakistan, armed forces and law enforcement agencies have rendered supreme sacrifices in the war against terrorism.
In his address, Uzbekistan Ambassador to Pakistan Furqat Sidiqov said that Uzbekistan and Pakistan have been enjoying brotherly and cordial diplomatic relations. Both countries, he asserted, have immense potential to take forward mutual trade and this can be translated into reality through well-planned strategy for bilateral cooperation in various sectors.
The ambassador, while briefing the participants about opportunities in Uzbekistan, invited the Pakistani businessmen to invest in his country. He mentioned that Uzbekistan also wanted to promote partnership in tourism and trade.
On this occasion, Kyrgyzstan Ambassador to Pakistan Erik Beishembiev said that central Asian countries have immense opportunities for other countries which Pakistan can exploit through further enhancing its ties with these states. He mentioned that he has also launched an online Kyrgyz visa facility for Pakistani tourists and business travelers.
The ceremony also featured a documentary explaining Uzbekistan’s history, culture, tourism and economic opportunities and was followed by a cultural show based on various facets of cultures and art of Pakistan.
