Islamabad, 17 December 2025(Nosheen): The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) hosted a high-level delegation from Uzbekistan led by Mr. Eldor Sobirjonovich Tulyakov, Executive Director of the Development Strategy Center (DSC). Mr. Rovshan Alimov, Deputy Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan, also attended the meeting. In his welcome remarks, Director General ISSI, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, highlighted Pakistan’s Vision Central Asia, anchored in a comprehensive five-pronged framework encompassing political and diplomatic engagement; trade and investment; energy and connectivity; security and defence; and people-to-people exchanges. He emphasized that Uzbekistan’s reform-driven openness and connectivity aspirations closely align with Pakistan’s vision for regional integration.
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood noted the steady expansion of bilateral cooperation in trade, transport, and energy connectivity, citing tangible progress under the Pakistan–Uzbekistan Strategic Partnership, the Transit Trade Agreement, advancements toward regional connectivity through the Trans-Afghan Railway, and the growing momentum in business-to-business exchanges. He further underscored the enduring cultural, religious, and spiritual affinities between Pakistan and Uzbekistan as a strong civilizational foundation for strengthening historical linkages. In this context, he observed that the year 2026 will hold special significance for both countries, marking the 500th anniversary of the establishment of the Mughal Empire in the subcontinent by Zahir-ud-Din Babur, a native of Uzbekistan’s Ferghana Valley. The Director General also briefed the delegation on ISSI’s mission, vision, and ongoing activities, and stressed the importance of expanding think-tank collaboration and academic exchanges between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.
In his remarks, Executive Director Eldor Sobirjonovich Tulyakov acknowledged the deep bonds of history, faith, culture, and shared traditions between the two countries, while highlighting the steadily expanding scope of bilateral cooperation. He described the strategic partnership between Pakistan and Uzbekistan as a vital foundation for elevating bilateral relations to new heights and appreciated Pakistan’s offer of access to its seaports as a significant facilitative step toward enhancing Uzbekistan’s trade connectivity. Outlining the contours of people-centric development underway in Uzbekistan, he proposed broadening cooperation through improved air connectivity, expanded academic and scholarly exchanges, and the promotion of tourism.
The meeting concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between ISSI and the Development Strategy Center, aimed at promoting joint research initiatives, expert exchanges, collaborative publications, and sustained academic engagement.