Thaindian News

New Delhi, May 18 (IANS) India and the Central Asian republic of Uzbekistan Monday upgraded their bilateral ties to a strategic relationship, and held discussions on the precarious situation in Afghanistan.

This was announced after the end of discussions between Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and visiting Uzbek President Islam Karimov here Wednesday.

Karimov, who arrived Tuesday evening, is on a two-day state visit to India.

Both leaders “agreed to elevate the bilateral relationship to a long term and strategic partnership based on equality and mutual understanding”, a press release issued by he ministry of external affairs said.

“The partnership envisages active cooperation in a wide spectrum of areas including political, counter-terrorism, economic, education, health, human resource development, energy, science and technology, tourism and culture,” it said.

The press note also stated that both leaders had a “detailed discussion” on the “continuing unstable situation” in Afghanistan. They also “underlined the importance of early establishment of peace and stability in the country”.

Manmohan Singh, who was on short visit to Afghanistan last week, also shared his “perspectives” on the war-ravaged nation.

Terrorism also featured in the talks, with both leaders condemning it “in all its forms and manifestations”. Both leaders agreed that the Indo-Uzbek joint working group, which has been holding consultations on the subject, will continue.

Besides, both of them also held discussions on various regional and international issues. “They noted and welcomed a strong similarity of outlook on bilateral, as well as, as a host of regional and global issues,” said the press note.

As many as 34 bilateral agreements were signed at the meeting, which covered varied area from science and technology, textiles, oil and gas and pharmaceuticals.

A joint statement was also released at the conclusion of the visit.

One of the significant memorandum of understanding signed in textiles, with Uzbekistan being a major producer of cotton at over one million tonnes per annum.

Besides, an agreement to amend the 1993 bilateral treaty on avoidance of double taxation was also signed.

Uzbekistan reaffirmed support for India’s candidature for permanent membership in an expanded UN Security Council.

The two sides also resolved to expand their cooperation within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

India is currently an observer at the SCO and is keen to become a member of the six-nation Central Asian organisation.