by Zulkhumor Makhmudova, PhD Candidate at UWED
In recent years, Uzbekistan’s foreign policy has prioritized regional integration and the development of alternative transport-logistics routes. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s official visit to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, marked by a high-level diplomatic protocol and political attention, demonstrates that bilateral relations have entered a qualitatively new stage. The escort of the Uzbek President’s aircraft by the Pakistan Air Force, and the simultaneous reception by both the President and the Prime Minister of Pakistan, is not merely ceremonial but a symbolic signal of significant geopolitical meaning.
Pakistan is a parliamentary republic where real executive power rests with the Prime Minister, while the President performs mostly ceremonial and representative functions. Therefore, the reception of a foreign head of state by both the President and Prime Minister simultaneously is rare in protocol practice. This reflects several key political messages: the visit carries maximum political weight; Pakistan’s internal political institutions have reached a consensus on closer ties with Uzbekistan; and engagement with Uzbekistan represents a long-term strategic approach rather than a temporary government initiative. The military escort further underscores the strategic partnership and trust placed in Uzbekistan in matters of security.
President Mirziyoyev’s meeting with the Commander of the Pakistan Armed Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir, indicates the emergence of a new strategic direction in Uzbekistan’s foreign and security policy. The meeting, held at Pakistan’s leading defense-industrial complex, underscores that cooperation extends beyond political-diplomatic dialogue to include practical industrial-military collaboration. This reflects Uzbekistan’s pragmatic approach to strengthening its defense capabilities through technology transfer, experience sharing, and industrial cooperation. The development of a dedicated “roadmap” for military-technical cooperation demonstrates that this initiative is institutionalized and long-term rather than ad hoc.
Negotiations with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, highlighted the institutionalization of Uzbekistan–Pakistan relations. The establishment of a Strategic Partnership Council, along with permanent coordinating mechanisms between foreign ministries, moves bilateral relations beyond personal diplomacy toward sustainable institutional frameworks. Such institutionalization signifies the elevation of relations to a “strategic partnership” level, expanding Uzbekistan’s maneuverability in South Asian affairs and increasing predictability and stability in interstate relations.
The current stage of Uzbekistan–Pakistan economic relations reflects a transition from quantitative growth to qualitative deepening. Expansion of trade and the formation of an investment portfolio indicate a convergence of economic interests. Geoeconomically, Pakistan provides Uzbekistan with access to the Indian Ocean region; therefore, plans to increase trade volume to $2 billion have strategic significance. Preferential trade agreements, logistical improvements, and the removal of technical barriers serve to broaden Uzbekistan’s export geography, while the $3.5 billion investment portfolio demonstrates the long-term, complex, and institutional nature of bilateral cooperation, enhancing Uzbekistan’s attractiveness for South Asian investors.
Transport and logistics cooperation is a central element of the strategic partnership. The acceleration of the Trans-Afghan Railway and the development of the Pakistan–China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan transport corridor play a key geostrategic role, connecting Uzbekistan to seaports and significantly expanding transit and trade opportunities. From an international relations perspective, these projects help mitigate the “geopolitical disconnect” between Central and South Asia, with Pakistan providing alternative and relatively stable transport routes. Subnational and regional cooperation initiatives further strengthen economic stability and integration.
Humanitarian and cultural cooperation remains an important supportive component, reinforcing political and economic rapprochement through social engagement. Initiatives such as pilgrimage tourism, cultural exchanges, and joint projects on historical heritage serve to cultivate positive public opinion and legitimize strategic partnership. Leveraging shared historical and civilizational heritage enhances the cultural and long-term sustainability of Uzbekistan’s foreign policy.
Overall, President Mirziyoyev’s visit to Pakistan demonstrates that Uzbekistan–Pakistan relations are evolving not only at a bilateral level but also as a strategic response to regional and global developments. In the context of fluctuating global energy prices, competition over transcontinental trade routes, and increasing regional security challenges, this visit enables Uzbekistan to establish a new engagement format that safeguards its economic and security interests while strengthening its position in both regional and global affairs.
* The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.
