Uzbek Envoy expresses hope to advance bilateral ties
By: Amjad Mehmood Photos by: Raja Farid
ISLAMABAD—Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Mr. Jamal Shah inaugurated a captivating photo exhibition aiming to celebrate the 31st Anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Uzbekistan. The splendid event was held in PNCA (Pakistan National Council of Arts) premises, and marked as a testament to the enduring cultural ties and shared heritage between the two nations. The Ambassador of Uzbekistan H.E. Oybek Usmanov, DG PNCA M. Ayoub Jamali, Dean of the diplomatic corps Amb Atajan Mavlamov, Ambassadors of Turkiye, Azerbaijan, Jordan, Chief of Mission TRNC, and a large number of visitors were present On the occasion.
Federal Minister Jamal Shah emphasized the exhibition’s role in revealing the beauty, diversity, and historical resonance embedded within the joint cultural heritage of Pakistan and Uzbekistan. He termed it as a visual narrative, weaving together the threads of shared traditions, artistic expressions, and the enduring legacy that continues to foster friendship and collaboration between the two countries. He reiterated the importance of cultural diplomacy in strengthening bonds and promoting mutual understanding between Pakistan and Uzbekistan. He expressed confidence in the exhibition’s role as a bridge, connecting the shared history and cultural affinities of both countries.
The exhibition, a collaborative effort, presented a retrospective collection of historical photographs displaying the active and dynamic interactions between leaders of Pakistan and Uzbekistan. It notably highlighted the contributions made by leaders, ministers, dignitaries, diplomats, and officials from both countries over the past three decades, fostering stronger bilateral and friendly ties. Federal Minister also appreciated Mr. Ramzan Mughal Photojournalist and Fazal Rabi Senior photographer work and contribution to the photo exhibition.
In his opening remarks, the Ambassador of Uzbekistan Oybek Usmanov expressed his gratitude to participating guests and dignitaries and paid homage to the historical significance of the diplomatic relations between the two countries. The Ambassador extended heartfelt appreciation to the Federal Minister Jamal Shah, for his unwavering support and guidance in organizing the beautiful event. He also appreciated DG PNCA, and his team for their indispensable efforts, contributions, and excellent cooperation in arranging the exhibition. He said together we can show the Pakistani public and Diplomatic corps the retrospective and historical photos demonstrating the very active dynamic interaction of Uzbek and Pakistani leaders – Presidents, Prime Ministers, federal ministers, Secretaries, additional secretaries, generals, DGs, ambassadors, and diplomats of our countries had made great input in cementing our ties through the 3 decades.
Meanwhile, the Ambassador warmly greeted two distinguished Pakistani diplomats, Mr. Irfan Yusuf Shami and Mr. Riaz Ahmad Bukhari, acknowledging their tireless efforts in promoting mutual relations between Pakistan and Uzbekistan. The ambassador also extended warm appreciation to prominent experts, researchers, experts, and highly skilled journalists from both countries for their immense contribution to strengthening the connectivity of Uzbekistan and Pakistan.
The Ambassador said after 3 decades of active interaction we should focus on the connectivity strategy of our two regions South Asia and Central Asia – implementation of the projects for boosting trade and economics, transport linkages – cultural and people-to-people re-connectivity. Our connectivity logically emanates from the closeness of cultures and religious traditions – carawan`s roads of Central Asia with South Asia – Pakistan, China, Afghanistan Sri Lanka, India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. He further added that the rich scientific and cultural legacy of such great Ulemas like Imam Al-Bukhari, Imam At–Termizi, Al-Motrudi, and Marghinani scholars as Abu Ali Ibn Sina, Al-Ferghany, Abu Raihan Al-Beruni, and Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur, Alloma Muhammad Iqbal, Mirza Ghalib are considered as a richest and common heritage of our religion. He particularly mentioned the brilliant work of Rahman Baba, Khushhal Khan Hattak, Allama Iqbal, Jalaluddin Rumi, Makhtumquli Fraghi, Sadriddin Aini, Mirza Golib, Alisher Navoi in the world`s history, science, and culture.
The period of our interactions was brightly manifested during the era of the Ghandhara, Harappa civilizations, with the civilizations Saikhun and Jaihun rivers, Moghulistan and Khorasan cities -Samarqand, Bukhara, Khwarazm, Termiz which are the well-known centers of Islamic cultural enlightenment and sciences. He expressed hopes that all Pakistanis would be aware of the common great heritage of such dynasties as Amir Taymur`s, and Zakhiriddin Muhammad Babar`s. The great successors of Bukhari, Mughals, Barlas, Termizi, and Mirsas in Pakistan are bright followers of our connectivity, promoting mutual understanding among our nations. Adding further on bilateral ties he said during the last 3 years’ bilateral trade increased via brotherly Afghanistan based on Transit and Preferential trade agreements. Every year the bilateral trade is growing at 40-50% ($317 million in 10 months 2023) and no doubt that our teams along with our colleagues will reach the goals of the recently signed 1 billion trade record.
In his conclusive remarks, he expressed confidence that with the valuable and tireless efforts of both countries, we will be able to gain remarkable results – strengthening people-to-people contacts and business-to-business forums while developing region-to-region connectivity.
