ISLAMABAD: After spending two days in Azerbaijan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday arrived in Tashkent for a two-day official visit in a bid to expand bilateral and trade relations with Uzbekistan.

Upon his arrival at the Tashkent airport, the prime minister was received by Uzbekistan`s PM Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov, according to a press release issued by the Prime Minister`s Office (PMO).

A contingent of the Uzbek armed forces also presented a static saluteto the prime minister.

`Wheels down in Uzbekistan. Deeply touched by the grand reception at the airport and the warm welcome by my dear brother Prime Minister Abdullah Aripov, PM Shehbaz said in a tweet on Tuesday.

`Uzbekistan being the crown of Central Asia, breathes history through the grandeur of its ancient cities, timeless art, and magnificent architecture. Looking forward to my engagements to enhance our common desire to strengthen these bonds of friendship through trade, investment and mutually advantageous cooperation,` the premier said in a post on `X`.

Later, PM Shehbaz visitedtheiconicIndependence Monument in Tashkent. The visit underscores the shared historical and cultural ties between Pakistanand Uzbekistan while reaffirming the commitment to deepening bilateral relations, said a statement.

The premier expressed his admiration for Uzbekistan`s progress and resilience, drawing parallels with Pakistan`s struggle for independence and development.

In his remarks, the PM said, `The Independence Monument stands as a testament to the courage and determination of the Uzbek people. Pakistan and Uzbekistan share a common vision for peace, prosperity, and regional connectivity. This visit is a reminder of our shared values and the need to work together for a brighter future.

PM Shehbaz will meet Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during his visit, according to the Foreign Office. The PM will also meet high officials, and the talkswill focus on enhancing trade, energy cooperation, and cultural exchanges.

Ties with Uzbekistan The trip is expected to yield new agreements in areas, such as agriculture, regional connectivity, technology, and education, further solidifying the bond between Pakistan and Uzbekistan. The visit to Uzbekistan marked a significant step in strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries.

According to the Foreign Office, a number of bilateral agreements/ memorandums of understanding (MoUs) are expected to be signed between Pakistan and Uzbekistan. The premier was also set to address the Pakistan-Uzbekistan Business Forum, where `leading businessmen from both sides` would participate and hold B2B meetings to further enhance bilateral trade.

The bilateral trade between Pakistan and Uzbekistan has grown substantially over the last few years, from $27 million in 2019-20 to $126m in 2022-23.

Earlier this month, Ambassador Tukhtayevhad met with the Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where he stressed that Uzbek investors were keen to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan, particularly Balochistan.

In May last year, the foreign ministers of both countries met, underscoring their countries` commitment to the swift completion of a planned railway link that would traverse Afghanistan.