TASHKENT: Pakistan and Uzbekistan on Tuesday inked a joint communique and several memorandum of understandings (MoUs) to strengthen bilateral cooperation, avoid double taxation and enhance collaboration in many areas.

Addressing a joint press stakeout after signing of bilateral agreements, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Uzbek President Islam Karimov expressed satisfaction over the bilateral ties while stressing upon the need for harnessing the full potential of the bilateral cooperation in various sectors.

The agreements were signed between the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan and Uzbek Ministry of Economic Affairs and Investment to enhance bilateral trade.

A protocol was signed between two countries for establishing an inter-government arrangement to avoid double taxation

Nawaz, who is on a two-day official visit to Uzbek Republic along with a high level delegation, thanked the Uzbek government and people for the hospitality shown to him and his delegation.

He said both the countries were bound with the affinities of culture, faith and customs and stressed to sustain these ties effectively through bolstering the cooperation.

President Karmiov lauded the statesmanship of Nawaz Sharif and said Pakistan was playing a key role for peace and stability in the region.

He also appreciated Pakistan's policy of pursuing peace and stability and regional connectivity. He also noted its road-map of enhancing trade and business ties with the Central Asian Republics.

Nawaz Sharif, who is on a two-day official visit to the Central Asian State, said Pakistan enjoyed good ties with Uzbekistan, mentioning the cultural and geographical affinities between both the states that also widens the scope of bilateral cooperation.

He lauded the economic achievement made by Uzbek Republic for what he said the credit goes to the sagacious leadership of the country.

The prime minister said that Uzbekistan was witnessing around 8 per cent economic growth rate that was unprecedented to achieve within short span of time.

He said there was a need to expand the bilateral ties particularly in economic sector.

President Krimov welcomed the Prime Minister to Uzbekistan and said the common aspects of religion, culture, traditions and customs have made the people of both the countries closer.

He said Pakistan enjoyed a status of important state in the Muslim world as well as the region besides for its role on international issues. The Uzbek president said the country was also rich in huge human potential that can play a major role for development of the country.

Afghan peace inevitable for regional security

Addressing at the banquet, hosted by Uzbek President Islam Karimov in his honour at Kuksaroy Presidential Palace, the premier said establishment of peace in Afghanistan was inevitable for peace and stability in the region and his government is ready to cooperate in whatever way possible to achieve this objective.

Nawaz Sharif claimed that his government wants to maintain good ties with all countries, including India and Afghanistan.

Referring to various steps taken by his government against extremism and terrorism, he said Pakistan had initiated the comprehensive operation Zarb-e-Azb against the menace that was coming to fruition as law and order situation was improving due to the efforts of the law enforcement agencies.

He also extended an invitation to the Uzbek President to visit Pakistan.

Krimov recalled Nawaz Sharif's visit to Uzbekistan in 1992 saying that since then, both the countries have effectively maintained their ties in a progressive manner.

The two countries share similar views on major regional and international issues and collaborate closely on multilateral fora including the United Nations, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO), and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).