ISLAMABAD (special crosspondent) – Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister, Bakhtiyor Saidov, has formally commended Pakistan for its significant contributions to advancing international peace and promoting regional stability, highlighting the country’s effective role as a mediator.

In a telephone conversation on Saturday with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Mr. Saidov conveyed congratulations on behalf of both himself and the President of Uzbekistan. The felicitations were extended following the recent signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, a key diplomatic achievement for the region.

According to a statement from the Foreign Office Spokesperson, the Uzbek Foreign Minister specifically praised the leadership of Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, and Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, for their constructive role in facilitating the diplomatic process. This acknowledgment underscores Pakistan’s growing stature as a responsible global mediator.

Both ministers expressed optimism that the progress achieved through the memorandum would be built upon in subsequent phases of engagement. They shared a mutual hope that these efforts would contribute to lasting peace, stability, and prosperity not only within the region but also on a global scale. The conversation also touched upon the broader context of the historic Islamabad Peace Accord and its positive implications.

Concluding the call, both leaders affirmed their commitment to maintaining close communication on all matters of mutual interest, signaling a strengthening of bilateral ties between Pakistan and Uzbekistan. The appreciation from Tashkent is seen as a significant endorsement of Islamabad’s foreign policy initiatives, which have received praise from various international figures, including the Speaker of the National Assembly.