India and Uzbekistan will jointly work together and strive for a stable, prosperous and peaceful Afghanistan, which will be beneficial for the interests of the region, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday.
Addressing a joint presser with Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Prime Minister Modi said, “Both India and Uzbekistan aspire a safe and prosperous external environment. We appreciate their efforts in maintaining regional peace and stability. I can assure you that India will help in your efforts. Both India and Uzbekistan wish a democratic, stable and prosperous Afghanistan.”
Talking about bilateral trade, Prime Minister Modi said that a target of USD 1 billion has been set by 2020, adding that professional trade negotiations between the two countries have already initiated.
“To support Uzbekistan’s social schemes and other infrastructural projects, we have agreed to grant USD 200 million Line of Credit. Twinning agreements between Agra and Samarkhand, and Gujarat and Andijan have been signed as well,” he added.
Prime Minister Modi further underscored that the Chabahar Port in Iran acts as a vital trade link between the two countries.
Underscoring the cordial ties between New Delhi and Tashkent, Prime Minister Modi elucidated, “This is our fourth meeting and I feel you (Uzbek President) are a special friend. Meaningful discussions were held between us that will help deepen our strategic partnership. Happy that our ties built on strong foundations. In today’s meeting, we have fully agreed that the time has come to extend the ancient and intimate relations between our countries, in line with the expectations and expectations of our people. We have taken a long-term view on various regional issues such as security, peace, prosperity and cooperation.”
He further informed that issues like culture and people-to-people ties, electronic visa scheme, academic exchanges, tourism and air connectivity were also discussed.
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Lauding Uzbekistan for its high development growth, the Prime Minister said, “Through bold and comprehensive measures, Uzbekistan is marching towards advancement in technology, leaving behind others. I welcome Uzbekistan to participate in the international North-South corridor with us. Our relationship will touch new heights and we hope to further strengthen our strategic partnership.”
Recalling former prime minister Lal Bahadur Shastri’s visit, Prime Minister Modi expressed his gratitude to Uzbekistan government for building a memorial in his honour and renovating a school under his name in Tashkent.
On the other hand, President Mirziyoyev, who is on a maiden two-day visit to India, said, “I want to express my deep respect to the people of India, a country with an ancient history, religious culture and political, economic and intellectual potential.”
A total of 17 Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between the two countries in various sectors. They are as follows:
1. Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Government of the Republic of India for visa-free travel for diplomatic passport holders.
2. Program of Cooperation between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan and India for 2019-2020.
3. Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Government of the Republic of India on cooperation in the field of tourism.
4. Memorandum between the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of India on cooperation in the field of military education.
5. Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Ministry of Law and Justice of the Republic of India on Cooperation in the Sphere of Law and Justice.
6. Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Government of the Republic of India on cooperation in the field of agriculture and allied sectors.
7. Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Government of the Republic of India on cooperation in scientific-technical and innovation fields.
8. Agreement between the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of the Republic of India on cooperation in the field of health and medical science.
9. Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, Government of the Republic of India and Agency for Development of pharmaceutical industry under the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
10. Memorandum of Understanding between Khokimiyat of the Andijan Region of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Agency for Development of Pharmaceuticals Industry under the Ministry of Health, Republic of Uzbekistan and the Khokim of Andijan region.
15. Memorandum of Understanding between the Khokimiat of Samarkand City, Samarkand region, the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Municipal Corporation of Agra, Uttar Pradesh, Republic of India.
16. Memorandum of Understanding between the Khokimiyat of Andijan Region (Republic of Uzbekistan) and the Government of State of Gujarat (Republic of India) on the establishment of mutual cooperation and partnership.
17. Agreement on cooperation between the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Confederation of Indian Industry on the establishment of the India- Uzbekistan business council.