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Pakistan and Uzbekistan Reaffirm Commitment to Railway Project Connecting the Two Nations via Afghanistan
Pakistan and Uzbekistan reaffirm their commitment to the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway project, aiming to enhance regional connectivity and trade opportunities.
ND
by News Desk
2024-05-09
Pakistan and Uzbekistan Reaffirm Commitment to Railway Project Connecting the Two Nations via Afghanistan

Pakistan and Uzbekistan have reiterated their dedication to the completion of a crucial railway project that will link the two nations via Afghanistan, fostering regional connectivity and trade prospects. Following a meeting between Uzbekistan's Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov and Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, both countries affirmed their resolve to expedite the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Railways project.

In a statement released by the Foreign Office after the meeting, it was emphasized that the railway initiative would bolster bilateral and regional trade while serving as a vital conduit between South and Central Asia. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also highlighted the significance of the railway project during his discussion with Foreign Minister Saidov, reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to its swift completion.

The Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Railways project, conceived in February 2021, aims to construct a railway line traversing Afghanistan, connecting Central Asia with Pakistani ports. The proposed route, spanning 760 kilometers, is anticipated to be operational by the end of 2027, with the capacity to transport up to 15 million tonnes of goods annually by 2030. This initiative is expected to significantly reduce cargo delivery time and transportation costs between Uzbekistan and Pakistan.

During the bilateral meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan's willingness to collaborate with Uzbekistan to expedite and finalize all bilateral trade and connectivity projects. He also reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to providing access to Uzbekistan to Pakistani ports, further enhancing economic cooperation between the two nations.

The discussions between Pakistan and Uzbekistan also touched upon bilateral economic cooperation, trade, investment, and connectivity. Both sides acknowledged the positive trajectory of bilateral trade following the operationalization of the Transit Trade Agreement, with trade volumes increasing substantially. Emphasis was placed on identifying new areas of economic cooperation and facilitating a liberal visa regime to promote greater people-to-people contacts and business linkages.

As Pakistan and Uzbekistan strengthen their ties and advance collaborative endeavors, the railway project stands as a testament to their shared commitment to regional development and prosperity.
Tagged:

Pakistan

Uzbekistan

RegionalConnectivity

RailwayProject
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