India & Uzbekistan sign 17 agreements & MoUs

Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on Monday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. The two sides took stock of the bilateral relationship across several sectors during the delegation-level talks.

Addressing the joint press conference, Prime Minister Modi said that meaningful discussion took place that will help deepen strategic partnership between the two sides. He added that now both the countries are heading towards a new era in which bilateral relations will reach new heights.

The two leaders stressed on expanding trade and investment ties. They also set a target of one billion dollars trade by 2020. He added that issues related to people to people contact and air connectivity were also discussed.

The Prime Minister also said that defence ties will be further expanded between two countries.

Earlier, 17 agreements and MoUs were signed in the field of law, tourism, military education, agriculture, science and technology, commerce and industry, pharmaceutical, national security and illicit trafficking besides others.

During the joint press conference, Uzbek President supported India’s bid for permanent membership of UN Security Council.

Uzbekistan president accorded Ceremonial Reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan

Earlier, the visiting President was accorded a Ceremonial Reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan on Monday. This is the first visit of the Uzbek President to India.

Addressing the media, the visiting President said India and Uzbekistan share a historical tie while adding that India takes a special place in the heart of Uzbek people.

The Uzbek President also visited Rajghat and paid tributes to Father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj called on Uzbek President. He will also meet President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu later in the day.