India's Ambassador to Uzbekistan on March 29 held a press conference in Tashkent, Dunyo reports. The event emphasized that the Central Asian republic successfully hosted a summit in Samarkand and handed over the Shanghai Cooperation Organization's (SCO) chairmanship to India.
An essential outcome of the Samarkand Summit from the cultural point of view of India was the appointment of the city of Varanasi as the first in history tourist and cultural capital of the SCO. This can promote tourism and cultural exchanges between the SCO member states. Several events have already been held in Varanasi with the participation of Indologists, scientists, writers, musicians and artists, travel bloggers, and other guests from SCO member states. In addition, several delegations from Uzbekistan have already visited the city this year.
'India plans to hold more than 147 events during its chairmanship of the SCO in 2023. The event programs will be held throughout India and in all states. This will allow all delegations to visit different parts of India and, of course, to learn more about the culture and attractions of our country. In addition, we plan to gather all delegations to the cultural capital of India - Varanasi, and organize a colorful festival here, as it was in Tashkent', Ambassador said.
India views the SCO as an essential platform for enhancing regional cooperation for the benefit of all countries and for continuing dialogue on all significant international and regional issues. This year, India is hosting several SCO meetings in preparation for the SCO summit in July.
'We look forward to the visit of the SCO leaders to the summit.' Ambassador noted that India is grateful to Uzbekistan for its continued support and contribution to the summit's success.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, on the margins of the summit in Samarkand, praised the overall progress in bilateral relations. However, it was stressed that concerted efforts were needed to promote trade relations, economic cooperation, and connectivity.
The two leaders emphasized diversifying the bilateral trade basket and facilitating trade and investment. Interlinkages, including greater use of the port of Chabahar and the International North-South Transport Corridor, were vital to unlocking the potential of bilateral trade. In addition, the development of cooperation in information technology, health, and higher education was highlighted based on India's experience in these areas.
'The forthcoming SCO summit in India will be held as a sincere and open communication between people. Everyone will have the opportunity to express their opinion and learn something new. We look forward to the support of our Uzbek friends to obtain the results we expect from this summit, Ambassador concluded.
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