H.E Lt. Col. Sadullah Tashmotov, Charge D'affaires, Embassy of Uzbekistan called on Muhammad Azam Khan Swati, Federal Minister for Narcotics Control, Islamabad in his office today.
The Federal Minister stated that Pakistan attaches great value to its friendly and cooperative ties with Uzbekistan, as the two nations have deep cultural affinities and shared traditions. Mr. Azam Khan Swati also stated that relations between the two countries are based on mutual respect and trust.
During the meeting both sides stressed on the need of joint cooperation and mutual assistance against drug smuggling and drug abuse. It was further emphasized that the existing cordial relations between the two countries be translated into active cooperation in the field of narcotics control.
Sadullah Tashmotov Charge D'affaires of Uzbekistan said that Pakistan has a rich and vast experience in the field of narcotics control which is internationally recognized. He said that the government of Uzbekistan needs to utilize the experience of Pakistan against narcotics.
Mr. Azam Khan Swati said narcotics and drugs smuggling and its abuse is a common issue of both the countries and both the countries bordering Afghanistan which is a hub of drug production.
The Federal Minister said that smuggling of narcotics is biggest cash and money laundering business in the world. Therefore, it becomes difficult to completely eradicate it. We are trying our best to make free Pakistan and the whole world community from narcotics. International cooperation and assistance is very necessary.
Mr. Sadullah Tashmotov said that Uzbek Anti-Narcotics Force is facing many problems in the field of narcotics control. They need help and cooperation of Pakistan in the fields of training, information and intelligence sharing.
The Minister said that Pakistan will extend full cooperation and will sign an MOU with Uzbekistan for cooperation and assistance in field of narcotics. He further mentioned that Pakistan will initiate mutual assistance program with Uzbekistan and will invite Uzbek officers to seminars and program on narcotics control.
The Minister said that we have focal persons in many countries and we have cooperation and coordination agreements with many countries. Our intelligence agencies very efficient in this field and we will share our experience and intelligence information with Uzbekistan.
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