RECORDER REPORT

LAHORE: Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Pakistan Aybek Arif Usmanov said on Tuesday that the projects of connectivity between two countries showing positive impact.

While delivering a key note speech on “Pakistan and Uzbekistan economic cooperation and perspective” during a roundtable discussion on Central-South Asia Regional Connectivity: Grand Initiative by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev” organized by Punjab University Department of History and Pakistan Studies and Centre for Global and Strategic Studies.

He said that not only Punjab, but KPK is also well-connected with Uzbekistan. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister Imran Khan are the first drivers and promoters of connectivity.

He also said that for more than three years, Pak-Uzbek leaders are working for the peace and development in Afghanistan. He stated that all countries are interested to use Pakistan as a transit hub in Central Asia. He also stated that we are now working on high technology cooperation with Pakistan. He said experts from Uzbekistan helped in formulating solutions to enhance cotton production in Pakistan

The Uzbek Ambassador Aybek Arif Usmanov also called on PU Vice Chancellor Prof Niaz Ahmad at his office. The vice chancellor stressed the need to enhance collaboration among the academic institutions of two countries and strengthen people-to-people contact.

The roundtable discussion aimed at highlighting the importance of regional connectivity between Central and South Asia vis-à-vis socio-economic and cultural cooperation. The event commenced with the opening remarks of Pro Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Saleem Mazhar.

Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director, Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad gave a detailed presentation on “Analyzing the concept of Central- South Asian Connectivity: Ten-point agenda by Shavkat Mirziyoyev”.

Brigadier Mansoor Saeed Sheikh SI (M) (Retd), Vice President (Punjab Region), Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad in his welcome address stated that Pakistan is situated at the convergence of three geo-economically significant regions and it offers shortest route to the sea for all landlocked countries of Central Asia alongside western China and Afghanistan.

Prof. Dr. Mahboob Hussain, Chairman, Department of History & Pakistan Studies, presented speech on “Historical & Cultural linkages between Central-South Asia: An overview of great civilizational patterns”.

Prof. Dr. Iram Khalid, Chairperson, Department of Political Science & International Relations, PU presented speech on “reinvigorating the phenomena of academic cooperation into regionalism:  A case study of Central & South Asia”.

Prof. Dr. Rukhsana Iftikhar, Department of History, PU presented speech on “Economic Potential Between Central and South Asia”.