ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday addressed Pakistan-Uzbekistan Business Forum in Tashkent.

During his address, he stressed for deepening business and economic relations between Pakistan and Uzbekistan. He expressed confidence that the bilateral relation would further grow.

The prime minister expressed satisfaction over the contracts signed by Pakistani business houses with their Uzbek counterparts. He hoped his visit will further deepen these business connections.

Alluding to the historic, cultural and spiritual connections between the two countries, Imran Khan stressed that Trans-Afghan railway project was of paramount importance for Pakistan and Uzbekistan to improve their trade relationship. He said the project would connect Uzbekistan with Pakistan’s seaports and open new markets for it.

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PM Imran said Pakistan was keen to see peace and political settlement in Afghanistan to reap the benefits of connectivity. He also called for more frequent flights between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.

Separately, in an interview, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Uzbekistan Syed Ali Asad Gillani said Uzbekistan wanted access to the world through Pakistani seaports while Pakistan intended to enhance its exports to Central Asia and Europe through Uzbekistan.

He said over 100 Pakistani businessmen had arrived in Uzbekistan, and they were interacting with the Uzbek business community to enhance bilateral trade. He said a clear positive change had been witnessed in the bilateral ties over the last eight months.