India and Uzbekistan on Monday exchanged memorandum of understanding (MoUs) and signed agreements opening a new chapter in Indo-Uzbek relations.
President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who is on a two-day visit to India, was on Monday received by President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. This is Mirziyoyev’s maiden visit to India since assuming office in 2016.
Delivering a joint press statement in Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said meaningful discussions were held between the PM and the Uzbek president that will help deepening the strategic partnership between the two countries.
“This is our fourth meeting and I feel you (Uzbek President) are a special friend,” PM Modi said.
PM Modi also said the leaders took a long-term view on the regional issues of security, peace and prosperity and cooperation.
Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev also expressed his deep respect for the people of India. He said India is a country with an ancient history, religious culture and political, economic and intellectual potential.
Earlier in the day, Mirziyoyev had praised India saying, “At the moment, India is a rapidly developing nation. India is confidently strengthening its role as global power”.
Mirziyoyev, along with his wife Ziroat Mirziyoyeva visited the Taj Mahal on Sunday and described it as a temple of eternal love.
The president is also being accompanied by high-level Uzbek delegation members, including senators and regional governors, as well as heads of State for the Investment Committee, Tourism Committee, Ministries of Trade, Healthcare, Education, Information Technology and Innovation.
Earlier, Union commerce and industry minister, Suresh Prabhu had termed the president’s visit to India to be a transformative landmark that will open a new chapter in Indo-Uzbek relations.
Prabhu also said that India is conceptualising a transport corridor which can be a very important link between Asia and Europe for which Uzbekistan can serve as a major transit point.