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Uzbek President Karimov in India

vows to counter terrorism on long-term basis

New Delhi, April 05, 2005

Signalling a new chapter in bilateral ties, India and Uzbekistan today vowed to fight terrorism on a long term and sustained basis as the two sides signed four pacts on intensifying cooperation in defence, education, culture and small and private entrepreneurship.

The agreements were signed in the presence of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and visiting Uzbek President Islam A Karimov after the two leaders held extensive talks covering bilateral and important regional and international issues of mutual interest. Karimov is in India for 3 days on the invitation of Indian President A P J Kalam. India and Uzbekistan share long historical, cultural and traditional ties.

The agreement on cooperation in military and military technical areas by the two defence ministries was inked by Indian Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee and his Uzbek counterpart Kadir Gulomov. It provides for exchange of expertise, development, production, repair of equipment, training and joint exercises.

The two sides resolved to fight terrorism on a long-term and sustained basis while observing that the menace constituted one of the most serious threats to international peace and security. They emphasised the need for early conclusion of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.

They also stressed on the importance of early realization of the international trans-Afghanistan transport corridor. They noted that this project would significantly decrease the distance and associated costs for transportation of goods between Uzbekistan and India and will also provide an opportunity to Afghanistan to integrate into the regional system of transport and communications.

Karimov invited President Kalam and the Prime Minister to visit Uzbekistan which were accepted. Dates for the visits would be worked out through diplomatic channels.

The agreement on cooperation in education signed by External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh and Uzbek Deputy Prime Minister Rustam Kasymov envisages development of contacts and cooperation between the ministries of education and educational institutions, exchange of publications, literature, organisation of conferences, seminars, exhibitions and joint research programmes.

Eight other accords were signed for development of trade and tourism for promoting people-to- people contacts. These are between FICCI and Uzbek Chamber of Commerce and Industry which has also signed a separate agreement with the Federation of Indian Export Organisations.

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