September 28, 2021
2 mins read

Lekhi, Uzbek FM discuss need for close consultations on Afghanistan

MoS Lekhi conveyed India’s full support to the current Uzbek Presidency of the SCO. …reports Asian Lite News.

India and Uzbekistan have discussed the importance of maintaining close and regular consultations on the evolving situation in Afghanistan and the need to ensure that the territory of Afghanistan is not allowed to be used for any terror activities.

The issue was discussed by visiting Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs and Culture Meenakshi Lekhi during her meeting with Uzbek Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov.

They discussed important areas of bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a press release issued on Monday.

The visit from September 23-26 was Lekhi’s first official visit to any Central Asian country after assuming charge.

The MoS emphasised on expeditious implementation of development projects in Uzbekistan under the USD 1 billion Line of Credit given by India, the MEA stated.

Both sides also agreed on concluding the ongoing negotiations for the proposed Bilateral Investment Agreement at the earliest.

MoS Lekhi conveyed India’s full support to the current Uzbek Presidency of the SCO.

During the visit, she also met with Uzbekistan’s Culture Minister Ozodbek Nazarbekov.

They had a productive discussion on further intensifying cooperation in different spheres of culture given the deep cultural and civilisational connect between India and Uzbekistan, the MEA said.

These included cooperation in the field of archives, films, preservation of Buddhist sites, creation of ‘India Study Rooms’ in different Universities of Uzbekistan, and translation of literary works.

According to the MEA release, the Cultural Exchange Programme for the period 2021-25 was signed during the visit.

A 50-member strong Indian delegation comprising film personalities of India will be participating in the Tashkent Film Festival next week.

MoS Lekhi had a number of speaking engagements during her visit.

These included a lecture on ‘India’s democratic traditions’ at the Tashkent State University of Law and an address on ‘India-Uzbekistan relations- Strengthening Strategic Partnership’ at the Bukhara State University as part of ” Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’, it further mentioned.

She met distinguished indologists from the Tashkent State Institute of Oriental Studies and other institutions and discussed ways to further promote India studies and philosophy in Uzbekistan.

MoS also had interactions with members of the Indian community in Tashkent and Indian students at Samarkand State Medical Institute.

She highlighted the positive contribution of the Indian diaspora abroad in strengthening of India’s relations with other countries including Uzbekistan.

According to the MEA release, the Indian community was also encouraged to participate actively in the celebrations of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.

The visit provided further momentum to our strategic partnership with Uzbekistan by maintaining regular political exchanges and further consolidating our cultural ties, it added. (India News Network)

ALSO READ-India, Spain cement ties as MoS Lekhi concludes 4-day visit

READ MORE-Lekhi to embark on eight-day visit to Uzbekistan and Switzerland

Previous Story

International community needs to stop illicit proliferation N-weapons: Shringla

Next Story

Akash Prime, new version of Akash Missile, has successful maiden flight test

Latest from India News

Pahalgam Bled, But Kashmir Didn’t Bow

Pahalgam was the latest act in a long campaign of Pakistan-based militancy aimed at destabilizing Kashmir, especially as the region has gained strength through development,…writes John Spencer On April 22, 2025, gunmen

India–EFTA Trade Deal Gets Swiss Nod

Switzerland Ratifies Landmark EFTA-India Trade Pact, Paving Way for $100 Billion Investment…reports Asian Lite News Switzerland has ratified the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) between India and the European Free Trade

Jaishankar Meets SCO Chief

Jaishankar is on a three-day visit to China to attend the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting of the SCO member states being held in Tianjin….reports Asian Lite News External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Afghan envoy to China quits

The majority of Afghanistan’s diplomatic agencies are on the brink

Aus FM, Ghani discuss troop pullout

The Foreign Minister Marise Payne also discussed the handling of