（下边有中文翻译请继续看到底。 谢谢。）
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent state visits to Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan from February 23 to 26, 2025, mark a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement with Central Asia. 谢赫巴兹·谢里夫总理最近于2025年2月23日至26日对阿塞拜疆和乌兹别克斯坦进行了国事访问，这标志着巴基斯坦与中亚外交接触的关键时刻。
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent state visits to Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan from February 23 to 26, 2025, mark a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement with Central Asia. These visits underscore Pakistan’s strategic commitment to deepening ties with the region and expanding cooperation across key sectors, including trade, energy, defense, connectivity, and cultural exchange.
The Significance of Central Asia for Pakistan
Central Asia holds immense strategic and economic significance for Pakistan. Rich in natural resources, particularly energy reserves, the region offers a viable solution to Pakistan’s growing energy demands. Establishing energy corridors with countries like Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan can help Pakistan diversify its energy mix while providing Central Asian nations with access to South Asian markets via Pakistan’s ports of Gwadar and Karachi. This mutually beneficial arrangement strengthens economic interdependence and regional connectivity.
Beyond energy, Central Asia’s collective GDP of over $207 billion and a population of 66 million represent a substantial market for Pakistani exports, including textiles, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural products. Strengthening trade and investment linkages with these countries can foster economic growth, promote stability, and lay the foundation for a regional economic bloc that benefits all stakeholders.
Pakistan’s Commitment to Central Asian Relations
Pakistan has consistently pursued stronger ties with Central Asian states under its “Vision Central Asia” policy, which prioritizes economic integration, trade expansion, defense cooperation, regional connectivity, and people-to-people exchanges. This policy aligns with Pakistan’s broader vision of fostering regional connectivity through projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which can serve as a conduit for Central Asian trade to global markets.
Key Highlights of PM Shehbaz Sharif’s Visits
Visit to Azerbaijan (February 23-25, 2025):
During his visit to Azerbaijan, Prime Minister Sharif engaged in extensive discussions with President Ilham Aliyev, focusing on trade, investment, energy cooperation, and defense collaboration. A landmark outcome of the visit was Azerbaijan’s pledge to invest $2 billion in Pakistan, reflecting the deep-rooted fraternal ties between the two nations.
Several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, covering areas such as:
Trade and Investment: Encouraging bilateral trade and industrial collaboration.
Energy Cooperation: Facilitating the import of Azerbaijani oil and gas to Pakistan.
Defense Collaboration: Enhancing joint military training and defense production.
Cultural and Educational Exchange: Strengthening people-to-people ties through academic and cultural programs.
Visit to Uzbekistan (February 25-26, 2025)
In Uzbekistan, Prime Minister Sharif was warmly received by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the Tashkent Congress Centre. The two leaders engaged in high-level talks aimed at boosting trade, connectivity, and economic collaboration.
Key agreements signed during the visit included:
Trade Facilitation: Reduction of tariffs and removal of trade barriers.
Transportation and Connectivity: Development of road and rail links between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.
Scientific and Technological Cooperation: Joint research initiatives in AI, science, and technology.
Education and Culture: Student exchange programs and language training initiatives.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations and Economic Integration
The agreements signed during these visits are expected to significantly strengthen Pakistan’s relations with Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. The $2 billion investment from Azerbaijan is a crucial step toward deepening trade and economic ties, while agreements with Uzbekistan pave the way for expanded cooperation in multiple sectors.
These initiatives will not only enhance bilateral trade but also contribute to regional economic integration. Pakistan’s strategic location offers landlocked Central Asian states access to the Arabian Sea, enabling them to expand their trade footprint beyond their immediate neighborhood.
Expanding Trade and Investment Horizons
The recently signed MoUs and trade agreements are expected to bolster economic activities between Pakistan and Central Asia. Particular focus areas include:
Energy Sector: Pakistan seeks to benefit from Azerbaijan’s and Uzbekistan’s vast energy resources. The agreements aim to facilitate Pakistan’s imports of oil, gas, and electricity.
Agriculture: Central Asia’s expertise in agricultural technology can help modernize Pakistan’s farming sector, improving productivity and food security.
Industrial Cooperation: Joint ventures in textile manufacturing, mining, and pharmaceuticals are being explored to increase industrial collaboration.
Financial Integration: Establishing banking channels to ease trade transactions and facilitate investments in key sectors.
Diversifying trade partners and expanding economic collaboration with Central Asian states will reduce Pakistan’s dependence on traditional markets, strengthen economic resilience, and create job opportunities.
Broader Areas of Cooperation
Pakistan’s engagement with Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan extends beyond trade and investment to include a wide array of sectors:
Defense and Security: Joint military exercises, intelligence sharing, and defense production agreements to enhance regional security.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Technology: Collaborative research and innovation in AI, automation, and digital transformation.
Education: Expanding academic partnerships, scholarships, and student exchange programs to foster knowledge sharing.
Science and Technology: Joint research in renewable energy, biotechnology, and space exploration.
People-to-People Contact: Promoting cultural diplomacy through art exhibitions, tourism exchange, and language programs.
Connectivity: Infrastructure projects to improve road, rail, and air connectivity between Pakistan and Central Asia.
Aviation and Trade Routes: Expanding direct flights to facilitate tourism, business, and cargo transport.
A Way Forward: Strengthening Regional and Global Impact
To build on the progress achieved during these visits, Pakistan and its Central Asian partners must take concrete steps to ensure long-term sustainability and mutual benefit. The following measures can help sustain momentum:
Timely Implementation of Agreements: Ensuring that signed MoUs and agreements are swiftly implemented through dedicated oversight mechanisms.
Establishment of Joint Economic Commissions: Setting up permanent bodies to oversee economic collaboration and resolve trade-related challenges.
Investment in Infrastructure: Accelerating infrastructure projects, including highways, railways, and logistics hubs to facilitate smoother trade.
Cultural and Educational Engagement: Strengthening academic ties through scholarships, joint research, and cultural programs to deepen mutual understanding.
Enhanced Business Collaboration: Establishing platforms where business communities from Pakistan and Central Asia can interact, explore opportunities, and expand investments.
Regional and Global Impact
Pakistan’s proactive diplomacy with Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan is expected to have broader regional and global implications. Strengthened economic ties will contribute to regional stability, reduce external dependencies, and enhance economic self-reliance. Furthermore, deeper connectivity with Central Asia will position Pakistan as a key player in Eurasian trade dynamics, bridging South Asia with Central Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.
As Pakistan continues to solidify its relationships with Central Asian states, the long-term benefits will include economic prosperity, strategic security, and enhanced regional integration. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s successful visits to Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are a testament to Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to regional diplomacy and economic collaboration, laying the groundwork for a more interconnected and prosperous future for all involved.
谢赫巴兹·谢里夫总理最近于2025年2月23日至26日对阿塞拜疆和乌兹别克斯坦进行了国事访问，这标志着巴基斯坦与中亚外交接触的关键时刻。这些访问凸显了巴基斯坦深化与该地区关系、扩大贸易、能源、国防、互联互通和文化交流等关键领域合作的战略承诺。
中亚对巴基斯坦的意义
中亚对巴基斯坦具有巨大的战略和经济意义。该地区拥有丰富的自然资源，特别是能源储备，为巴基斯坦日益增长的能源需求提供了一个可行的解决方案。与阿塞拜疆和乌兹别克斯坦等国建立能源走廊可以帮助巴基斯坦实现能源结构多样化，同时为中亚国家提供通过巴基斯坦瓜达尔港和卡拉奇港进入南亚市场的通道。这一互利安排加强了经济相互依存和地区互联互通。
除能源外，中亚地区的GDP总量超过2070亿美元，人口6600万，是巴基斯坦出口的重要市场，包括纺织品、药品和农产品。加强与这些国家的贸易和投资联系可以促进经济增长，促进稳定，并为使所有利益攸关方受益的区域经济集团奠定基础。
巴基斯坦致力于中亚关系
巴基斯坦在“中亚愿景”政策下，一贯致力于加强与中亚国家的关系，将经济一体化、贸易扩张、防务合作、区域互联互通、人文交流作为优先发展方向。这一政策符合巴基斯坦通过中巴经济走廊等项目促进地区互联互通的更广泛愿景，中巴经济走廊可作为中亚贸易通往全球市场的渠道。
谢赫巴兹·谢里夫总理访问的主要亮点
访问阿塞拜疆（2025年2月23日至25日）：
在访问阿塞拜疆期间，谢里夫总理与伊利哈姆·阿利耶夫总统就贸易、投资、能源合作和国防合作等问题进行了广泛讨论。这次访问的一个里程碑式的成果是阿塞拜疆承诺向巴基斯坦投资20亿美元，这反映了两国之间根深蒂固的兄弟关系。
双方签署了多项谅解备忘录，涉及的领域包括：
贸易和投资：鼓励双边贸易和产业合作。
能源合作：促进阿塞拜疆向巴基斯坦进口石油和天然气。
防务协作：加强联合军事训练和防务生产。
文化和教育交流：通过学术和文化项目加强人与人之间的联系。
访问乌兹别克斯坦（2025年2月25日至26日）
在乌兹别克斯坦，谢里夫总理在塔什干会议中心受到米尔济约耶夫总统的热情接待。两国领导人举行了旨在促进贸易、互联互通和经济合作的高层会谈。
访问期间签署的主要协议包括：
贸易便利化：降低关税和消除贸易壁垒。
交通和互联互通：发展巴基斯坦和乌兹别克斯坦之间的公路和铁路。
科技合作：联合开展人工智能、科学和技术研究。
教育和文化：学生交换计划和语言培训计划。
加强双边关系和经济一体化
访问期间签署的协议预计将大大加强巴基斯坦与阿塞拜疆和乌兹别克斯坦的关系。阿塞拜疆的20亿美元投资是深化贸易和经济关系的关键一步，而与乌兹别克斯坦的协议为扩大多个部门的合作铺平了道路。
这些举措不仅将促进双边贸易，也将促进区域经济一体化。巴基斯坦的战略位置为中亚内陆国家提供了通往阿拉伯海的通道，使它们能够将贸易足迹扩大到邻近地区以外。
扩大合作领域
巴基斯坦与阿塞拜疆和乌兹别克斯坦的接触不仅限于贸易和投资，还包括一系列广泛的领域：
国防和安全：联合军事演习，情报共享和国防生产协议，以加强地区安全。
人工智能（AI）和技术：人工智能、自动化和数字化转型的协同研究和创新。
教育：扩大学术伙伴关系、奖学金和学生交换项目，促进知识共享。
科技：在可再生能源、生物技术和空间探索方面的联合研究。
人文交流：通过艺术展览、旅游交流、语言项目等促进文化外交。
互联互通：基础设施项目旨在改善巴基斯坦与中亚之间的公路、铁路和航空互联互通。
航空和贸易航线：扩大直航，便利旅游、商业和货物运输。
前进之路：加强区域和全球影响力
为了在这些访问期间取得的进展基础上进一步发展，巴基斯坦及其中亚伙伴必须采取具体步骤，确保长期可持续性和互利。以下措施有助维持发展势头：
及时落实协议：确保签署的谅解备忘录和协议通过专门的监督机制得到迅速落实。
建立联合经济委员会：设立常设机构，监督经济合作，解决与贸易有关的挑战。
基础设施投资：加快公路、铁路、物流枢纽等基础设施建设，促进贸易便利化。
文化和教育交流：通过奖学金、联合研究和文化项目加强学术联系，加深相互了解。
加强商业合作：为巴基斯坦和中亚工商界建立互动平台，探索机会，扩大投资。
区域及全球影响
巴基斯坦与阿塞拜疆和乌兹别克斯坦的积极外交预计将产生更广泛的地区和全球影响。加强经济联系将有助于地区稳定，减少对外依赖，增强经济自力更生。此外，与中亚更深层次的联系将使巴基斯坦成为欧亚贸易动态的关键参与者，连接南亚与中亚、中东及其他地区。
随着巴基斯坦继续巩固与中亚国家的关系，长期利益将包括经济繁荣、战略安全和加强区域一体化。谢赫巴兹·谢里夫总理对阿塞拜疆和乌兹别克斯坦的成功访问证明了巴基斯坦坚定不移地致力于地区外交和经济合作，为所有相关各方更加相互联系和繁荣的未来奠定了基础。
( 注意： 本文是用AI翻译的，或有误差。请以原版英文为准。谢谢。)
Reference Link:- https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2025/02/27/pakistans-strategic-outreach-to-central-asia-strengthening-ties-with-azerbaijan-and-uzbekistan/