Uzbekistan has reiterated the commitment to further strengthen its bilateral ties with Pakistan through improved connectivity.

This was expressed by Uzbekistan's Deputy Foreign Minister Furqat Sidiqov who was addressing a news briefing in Islamabad today (Tuesday).

Furqat Sidiqov said the upcoming visit of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Pakistan will help boosting the trade volume between the two brotherly countries.

He said Pakistan is a potential market to many of our products and through improved connectivity its ports can be utilized for bigger markets.

The Deputy Foreign Minister emphasised on enhancing tourism, business linkages and people-to-people contacts. He said direct flights will soon be started between Lahore and Tashkent at first stage and the in second stage flights between Karachi and Tashkent be resumed.

Earlier, a conference was held at Pak-China centre that was aimed at highlighting the life and achievements of Mughal Emperor Zahir-ud-Din Muhammad Babar who is considered as symbol of friendship between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.

Addressing the conference Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Farrukh and Secretary Minister of Information and Broadcasting Shaheera Shahid also highlighted the great achievements of Zahir-ud-Din Muhammad Babar.

Farrukh Habib said Zahir ud Din Muhammad Babur is the founder of Mughal Empire and his descendants had built a long lasting empire that covered much of the sub-continent for almost 300 years.

Shahera Shahid said history bonds Pakistan and Uzbekistan together and Zahir-ud-Din Babur is a legendary figure who started a dynasty that ruled the sub-continent for over 300 years.

Later, a book titled "Shavkat Mirziyoyev: New Uzbekistan Strategy" published by University of Punjab in Urdu and Uzbek languages was launched.

Source: Radio Pakistan