RAWALPINDI(National times)- Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, accompanied by senior ministers, paid an official visit to Global Industrial and Defence Solutions (GIDS) on Thursday as part of his ongoing visit to Pakistan.The visit formed part of a broader diplomatic engagement aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors. Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Force, received the Uzbek president and his delegation at the facility and accompanied them throughout the visit. Senior Pakistani officials were also present during the engagement. During the visit, President Mirziyoyev was briefed on GIDS’ wide-ranging portfolio, which includes advanced defence solutions, industrial manufacturing capabilities and emerging technological innovations. The delegation toured key production and display areas, where a range of defence products was showcased, highlighting Pakistan’s expanding expertise in indigenous defence manufacturing and industrial development. Officials from both sides discussed prospects for cooperation in defence production, technology transfer and industrial collaboration. Emphasis was placed on strengthening partnerships through knowledge sharing, joint ventures and long-term institutional linkages, reflecting a shared interest in expanding practical cooperation. The GIDS visit took place amid President Mirziyoyev’s two-day official visit to Pakistan, undertaken at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The visit focuses on enhancing collaboration in trade, energy, defence, education and regional connectivity. The Uzbek president is leading a high-level delegation comprising ministers and business leaders. During his stay, President Mirziyoyev held talks with President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, alongside delivering a keynote address at a Pakistan-Uzbekistan business forum. The discussions build on recent commitments by both countries to expand bilateral trade from approximately $400 million to $2 billion. The visit follows Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s trip to Tashkent in January and reflects continued diplomatic engagement between Pakistan and Uzbekistan, with both sides describing their relationship as rooted in close and brotherly ties.