Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — In Islamabad, the new Ambassador of Uzbekistan, Alisher Tukhtaev, presented his credentials to the President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari.

During the meeting, the current relations between Uzbekistan and Pakistan and prospects for their development were discussed.

The President of Pakistan emphasized the cultural, historical, and spiritual ties that connect the two countries and expressed readiness to further enhance bilateral cooperation, particularly in the areas of trade, investment, and industry.

The parties noted the importance of increasing the volume of mutual trade to $1 billion and explored prospects for cultural, humanitarian, and tourism exchanges.

Pakistan expressed satisfaction with the simplification of the visa regime for its citizens and approved the restoration of direct flights between Tashkent and Lahore, scheduled for November, which is expected to boost tourism and strengthen cultural ties.

Alisher Tukhtaev, who arrived in Islamabad on October 6, replaced Oybek Usmanov as ambassador, who has been appointed as Uzbekistan’s ambassador to Afghanistan.