New Delhi, 03 August (H.S.):

President Droupadi Murmu met Uzbekistan's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Saidov Bakhtiyor Odilovich, at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday. The two sides discussed ways to further strengthen India-Uzbekistan relations and expand cooperation in trade, investment, mining, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and information technology, among other sectors.

Welcoming the Uzbek Foreign Minister and his delegation, President Murmu said that India and Uzbekistan share deep historical, cultural, and civilisational ties rooted in the ancient trade routes connecting the two nations. She noted that their shared heritage in architecture, language, cuisine, music, and religious traditions has further reinforced the partnership between the two countries.

The President said that the visit of the high-level Uzbek delegation to India, along with the India-Uzbekistan Business Forum being held alongside it, reflects the growing confidence of the business communities in both countries in each other's markets. She also highlighted the immense potential for cooperation in sectors such as rare earth minerals, agriculture, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and information technology.

President Murmu noted that more than 3,000 officials, professionals, and students from Uzbekistan have benefited from India's Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) training programme and other scholarship initiatives. She also said that over 16,000 Indian students are currently pursuing higher education in Uzbekistan, adding that these students play a significant role in strengthening people-to-people ties and enhancing mutual understanding between the two countries.

During the meeting, both sides expressed confidence that the discussions held during the visit would further strengthen the bonds of friendship, mutual trust, and cooperation between India and Uzbekistan.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar