Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani being received by his Uzbek counterpart Shavkat Mirziyoyev upon his arrival in Uzbekistan. - File Photo

TASHKENT: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani arrived on a two-day visit to the Uzbek Republic on Thursday to discuss the regional situation and ways to enhance bilateral ties.

Gilani was received at the Tashkent International airport by the Prime Minister Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Pakistan would be seeking cooperation with Uzbekistan to help meet its growing energy requirements. Uzbekistan is already providing electricity to Afghanistan and earlier indicated its willingness to share its expertise in construction of hydel projects.The Prime Minister will meet the Uzbek leadership to discuss ways and means to further explore cooperation in various areas.

During his visit, Pakistan and Uzbekistan will sign a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the fields of animal and veterinary sciences and the renewal of cultural programmes.

The two governments will also endorse an Agreement on exchange of instrument on transport and transit of goods.

Gilani was accompanied by Minister for Privatization Syed Naveed Qamar, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and Minister for Food and Agriculture Israrullah Zehri.

As part of Pakistan government's vision to reach out to the Central Asian Republics, Gilani has already visited Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan and is likely to visit the remaining Central Asian states soon.