Uzbek envoy highlights ‘Third Renaissance’ vision, calls Pakistan a true strategic partner

ISLAMABAD: Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan Alisher Tukhtaev on Thursday said under the visionary leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan had entered an era of renewal, progress, and openness, marking what he termed the country’s “Third Renaissance.”
He expressed these views while addressing the presentation ceremony of the book “Uzbekistan: The Third Renaissance – Vision of the Future” held in Islamabad. The event was attended by diplomats, senior officials, media representatives, academics, and cultural figures.
Ambassador Tukhtaev highlighted that over the past eight years, Uzbekistan had achieved remarkable transformation across governance, the economy, education, and social development. “Our GDP has doubled to $115 billion and is expected to surpass $130 billion this year. Exports have reached $26 billion, and foreign investments now exceed $130 billion,” he said, adding that Uzbekistan’s economic resilience reflected the people’s growing confidence and faith in the future.
He noted that the country had also become one of the most attractive destinations in the region, with over 10 million tourists visiting Uzbekistan last year, generating over $3 billion in revenue. By 2030, he said, the government aims to attract $35 billion in additional investments and increase the share of renewable energy to 54 percent.
At the heart of these reforms, the ambassador emphasized, was a human-centered approach. “The dignity, knowledge, and creativity of every citizen form the foundation of President Mirziyoyev’s vision for the Third Renaissance — a spiritual and intellectual revival that connects our glorious past with the aspirations of the future,” he remarked.
Turning to Uzbekistan–Pakistan relations, Ambassador Tukhtaev described the two countries as “strategic partners bound by history, culture, and brotherhood.” He said the establishment of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council, co-chaired by the Uzbek President and Pakistan’s Prime Minister, had given the bilateral relationship a strong institutional framework.
“Our partnership is growing in all dimensions — trade, transport, education, and culture,” he said. “Direct flights are operating between Tashkent and Pakistan’s major cities, and our simplified visa regime has made travel easier than ever.”
He particularly underscored the significance of the Trans-Afghan Railway Project, describing it as a “symbol of peace, understanding, and regional connectivity” that would link Central and South Asia through trade and trust.
“Our bilateral trade exceeded $404 million in 2024 and has already reached $405 million in the first nine months of this year — a 130 percent increase. Together, we aim to take this figure to $2 billion soon,” he added.
The ambassador praised the “warm and trusting” relationship between President Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, noting that their mutual respect and shared vision had strengthened cooperation between the two nations.
Referring to the newly launched book, he said “Uzbekistan: The Third Renaissance – Vision of the Future” was not merely a research work but “a bridge between hearts and ideas.”
He commended the author, Pakistani journalist and writer Muhammad Abbas Khan — who has lived in Uzbekistan for over three decades — for his “deep, sincere, and heartfelt portrayal” of modern Uzbekistan. He also appreciated Tahir Farooq, Editor-in-Chief of Daily Ittihad, for his consistent efforts to promote understanding and friendship between the two countries.
“This book reflects the spiritual, intellectual, and reformist journey of Uzbekistan — a nation that looks to the future with confidence while cherishing its rich heritage,” Ambassador Tukhtaev said.
Concluding his remarks, the Uzbek envoy reaffirmed his belief in the enduring brotherhood between the two nations. “In the spirit of mutual trust, friendship, and shared responsibility, we will continue to work together for peace, stability, and prosperity of our peoples,” he said, ending his speech with the words, “Uzbekistan–Pakistan dosti hamesha zindabad.”