ISLAMABAD (Associated Press of Pakistan) – President Asif Zardari said Pakistan greatly appreciates Uzbekistan backing its effort for full membership in the Shanghai Co-operation Organization (SCO), media reported.

Lieutenant General Berdiev Kabul Raimovich (L), Defence Minister of Uzbekistan called on Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani (R) – October 5, 2011.
(Photo ISPR)

Last Friday, Zardari met an Uzbek delegation led by Minister of Defence Lt. Gen. Berdiev Kabul at President House and said he was keen to join the SCO’s Regional Counter-Terrorism Structure, the Associated Press of Pakistan reported.

Zardari said Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with its Uzbek brothers, media added. Zardari said the shared threat of militancy and extremism makes the two countries work jointly to meet this challenge.

In addition, he emphasized that besides expanding cooperation to fight militancy, Pakistan was also keen to enhance its trade with Uzbekistan.