ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has underlined Pakistan's resolve to forge closer ties with Central Asia, covering trade, investments, energy, and people-to-people exchanges.

He was talking to Uzbek Foreign Minister Dr Abdulaziz Kamilov, who called on him here on Wednesday. The Prime Minister emphasized that enhanced trade and regional connectivity between Pakistan and Uzbekistan are the cornerstones of economic growth and development.

Underlining the historic and civilizational links between the two countries, Imran Khan underlined that Pakistan highly values its close fraternal ties with Uzbekistan and wishes to deepen bilateral cooperation in all areas.

He expressed appreciation for the proposed Trans-Afghan railway project between Pakistan, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan.

He underscored Pakistan's commitment to support all efforts for the earliest realization of this important connectivity project.

The Prime Minister highlighted that Pakistan offers the shortest route to international seas to all Central Asian Republics through Karachi and Gwadar ports and could be the gateway to landlocked Central Asia.

He reaffirmed the resolve to facilitate Uzbekistan's access to Pakistani ports.

Uzbek Foreign Minister handed over a letter from President Mirziyoyev addressed to Prime Minister Imran Khan, inviting him to participate in a Central Asia-South Asia Connectivity Conference in Tashkent in July 2021.

The Prime Minister thanked for the invitation and mentioned that he is looking forward to visiting Uzbekistan.