On May 27, Uzbekistan and Pakistan inked an agreement to increase the volume of bilateral trade up to $296 million, Thenews.com.pk reports.

Elyor Ganiev, Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, called on Prime Minster of Pakistan Imran Khan. The PM highlighted the historic and cultural bonds between Pakistan and Uzbekistan and underscored the importance of closer trade, economic and energy links between the two countries.

Imran Khan also recalled his interaction with President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev on the sidelines of the Belt and Road Forum (BRF) in Beijing in April 2019, which focused on bilateral relations and connectivity.

Elyor Ganiev conveyed warm greetings of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and gave a detailed briefing on the transport railway corridor -- Uzbekistan-Mazar-e-Sharif-Kabul-Peshawar. Appreciating the briefing, the prime minister agreed that the railway link will not only benefit Pakistan, Afghanistan and CARs, but also enhance connectivity of the region with China, Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and Europe.

Pakistani PM also stressed the importance of reinforcing political, economic, energy and cultural collaboration between Pakistan and Uzbekistan as part of former’s vision for deeper engagement in Central Asia.

Pakistan and Uzbekistan underscored the need for greater communication network to realize trade potential between the two countries on the occasion. They also discussed the bilateral relations as well as the regional situation.