Opening the meeting, Javlon Vakhabov emphasized that Pakistan was one of the first countries to recognize Uzbekistan's independence in 1991, laying the foundation for a strong friendship between their nations and peoples. He noted that relations between Uzbekistan and Pakistan have significantly intensified in recent years and that today, the bilateral dialogue is supported at the level of a strategic partnership established in 2021.

Vakhabov also highlighted that institutions like the International Institute for Central Asia and the Institute of Regional Studies play a crucial role in fostering mutual understanding between the two countries and the regions of Central Asia and South Asia.

In turn, Jauhar Saleem stressed that deepening awareness of political, economic, and cultural processes in both Pakistan and Uzbekistan, as well as in the regions of Central Asia and South Asia, should be a priority for research organizations. He further emphasized that ongoing engagement between think tanks should not only strengthen multifaceted bilateral relations but also expand comprehensive ties between Central Asia and South Asia.

During the conversation, the President of the Institute of Regional Studies particularly noted the significance of Uzbek cities like Samarkand and Bukhara, which boast a rich historical and cultural heritage and have long been home to many renowned poets from Pakistan.

Director Vakhabov also drew attention to Uzbekistan's initiatives aimed at expanding trade and investment cooperation between the two countries, strengthening regional connectivity, developing transport corridors between Central Asia and Pakistan, and ensuring regional security, especially in neighboring Afghanistan. Among the key projects actively promoted in recent years were the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway corridor and the Surkhan-Puli-Khumri power line.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the International Institute for Central Asia and the Institute of Regional Studies in Islamabad signed a Memorandum of Understanding, marking the first partnership agreement between IICA and a Pakistani research institution.

Both parties confirmed their readiness to launch joint initiatives, including holding regular academic conferences, roundtables, and research projects addressing key bilateral issues, as well as regional and international development challenges.