Reviving strategic partnership with Uzbekistan, Sushma Swaraj strengthened productive discussion on trade, defence, security

NewsBharati    06-Aug-2018
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Tashkent, August 6: After having a successful bilateral meeting in Kyrgyzstan, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on her next leg of visit arrived at Tashkent, Uzbekistan strengthening strategic partnership in the field of trade & economy, defence & security, healthcare, tourism & culture and exchange views on regional & global issues.

Leading the delegation level talks in Tashkent, EAM Sushma Swaraj & Uzbek Foreign Minister Kamilov discussed ways to boost the relationship between the two countries over trade and commerce, defence and security and various other fields. India and Uzbekistan share a close strategic partnership with strong historical and cultural linkages.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who is on her first visit to Uzbekistan called on President of Uzbekistan. Sushma Swaraj called on Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov and held a discussion on bilateral relations.

MEA spokesperson, Raveesh Kumar in a tweet said that possible outcomes in connection with the visit of President of Uzbekistan later this year figured prominently in the discussion.

The External Affairs Minister held "productive discussion" on trade and economy, defence and security during delegation-level talks with her Uzbek counterpart Abdulaziz Kamilov. Both leaders also exchanged views on regional and global issues.

The External Affairs Minister also interacted with Indologists, Hindi teachers and students of ITEC and ICCR alumni in Tashkent. Speaking on the occasion addressing the Indian Community, Swaraj said that India and Uzbekistan have age-old relations.

The minister also highlighted the fact that love and appreciation for Indian culture is visible everywhere in Uzbekistan. Indian dance, music, films, cuisine, costume and now yoga are very popular.

EAM Sushma Swaraj also met the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Oliy Majlis (Parliament) of Uzbekistan Nurdinjon Ismoilov and representatives of political fractions in their Parliament. The two countries discussed the role of Parliament in fostering closer people-to-people relationship.

Sushma Swaraj also paid floral tribute to the freedom fighter and 2nd Prime Minister of India Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri at his memorial in Tashkent. She also met Yakov Shapiro the man who sculpted the bronze bust of former PM Lal Bahadur Shastri.

Deepening historical and cultural bond with Central Asia EAM Sushma Swaraj departed from Tashkent after a positive & productive 4-day trip to 3 countries that helped reinvigorate our partnership with this strategic region.