Press Release

Visit of External Affairs Minister to Uzbekistan

23/10/2009

External Affairs Minister Shri S.M. Krishna paid an official visit to Uzbekistan on 22-23 October, 2009.

2. EAM called on the President of Uzbekistan His Excellency Mr. Islam Karimov on 23rd October 2009. Status of bilateral relations, after the successful visit of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to Tashkent in April 2006, was reviewed. It was noted with satisfaction that two meetings of the Inter-Governmental Commission had since been held, steering the bilateral relations forward. It was decided to give further impetus to agreed sectors of bilateral cooperation, including hydrocarbons and mining, as well as explore new areas of cooperation like health, IT and agriculture. It was noted that relations between India and Uzbekistan rested on strong historical and cultural foundations, and had developed into vibrant and mutually rewarding bilateral relations since 1991.

3. During talks between EAM and His Excellency Mr. Vladimir Norov, Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan, issues discussed included trade & economic cooperation, educational and cultural exchange programmes, science and technology and relaxation in visa policy. Both Ministers expressed satisfaction over growing bilateral cooperation, and discussed regional and global issues. Uzbekistan reiterated its support for India’s candidature for permanent membership of the UNSC. The Uzbek side accepted the Indian side’s proposal to set-up an India-Uzbekistan Round Table with government and non-governmental representatives, with a mandate to discuss new ideas to enhance bilateral relations. The Uzbek side welcomed the Indian proposal for gifting of medical equipment and supplies worth US$ 1 million for hospitals in Uzbekistan. EAM offered additional developmental assistance to upgrade the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Information Technology established in Tashkent in 2006. EAM reiterated our commitment to provide assistance for establishing an Entrepreneurship Development Centre in Uzbekistan. EAM also inaugurated the India Centre at the Al-Beruni Institute of Oriental Studies.

4. During the visit, EAM placed a wreath at the memorial of former Prime Minister Late Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri in Tashkent, where he had breathed his last in 1966.

Tashkent
October 23, 2009