A high-level delegation from Uzbekistan, led by its Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov, is visiting India next week to hold talks with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. The two countries are this year celebrating 25 years of diplomatic ties.
The delegation includes Elyor Ganiev, Minister for Foreign Trade of Uzbekistan, senior representatives from the Uzbekistan Government, and representatives of several associations and corporations. Apart from attending a series of meeting with the Indian Government Ministers and officials, Kamilov is also scheduled to call on Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu.
According to Ministry of External Affairs, the visit of the delegation from Uzbekistan is taking place following the recent discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Uzbekistan in Astana on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) heads of states meeting.
"Both leaders had decided to further strengthen and expand bilateral cooperation in all areas, particularly trade and economic. India and Uzbekistan have close and friendly relations based on centuries of historical and cultural linkages. Our relationship was elevated to Strategic Partnership during the visit of late President Islam Karimov in 2011. PM visited Uzbekistan in 2015 and 2016. MOS MJ Akbar visited Uzbekistan last year to pay respects to late President Karimov. This year we are celebrating 25 years of establishment of diplomatic relations with Uzbekistan. We hope that discussions during the visit of this delegation will help in identifying new areas of cooperation and take our relationship to a higher level," MEA said in a statement.