MFA Press Statement : Visit of Minister, Prime Minister's Office, Second Minister for the Environment & Water Resources and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs Grace Fu to Uzbekistan, 24 to 26 October 2013

Ms Grace Fu, Second Minister for Foreign Affairs called on Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of Uzbekistan Women’s Committee Elmira Basithanova in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on 24 October 2013. DPM Basithanova and Minister Fu reaffirmed the warm and friendly relations between both countries and agreed that there was scope to expand bilateral cooperation. They had a good exchange of views on social issues including promoting participation of women in society.

Minister Fu met and was hosted to a dinner by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Murad Askarov yesterday. They welcomed the growing linkages between Singapore and Uzbekistan and agreed that there were opportunities to expand cooperation in the areas of trade and investment as well as tourism promotion. In this regard, Minister Fu welcomed plans by Uzbekistan Airways to launch direct flights to Singapore in the future. Minister Fu reiterated Singapore’s willingness to share our developmental experience in areas that are useful for Uzbekistan and encouraged Uzbek officials to participate actively in the Singapore Cooperation Programme. Minister Fu added that Singapore looked forward to hosting the 3rd round of political consultations between the Foreign Ministries which could be held in conjunction with the Uzbekistan-Singapore Business Forum in 2014.

In addition, Minister Fu met separately with First Deputy Minister of Foreign Economic Relations, Investment and Trade Akmal Kamalov and Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Water Resources Shavkat Khamraev today. During the meetings, Minister Fu was briefed on the economic priorities as well as water challenges facing Uzbekistan respectively. Minister Fu noted that there could be opportunities for Singapore companies to explore in Uzbekistan, including in the water sector. Minister Fu also extended an invitation to Deputy Minister Khamraev to participate in the Singapore International Water Week in June 2014.

In Tashkent, Minister Fu delivered a speech at the University of World Economy and Diplomacy to about 100 students on the key principles underpinning Singapore’s foreign policy and good governance. Minister Fu will visit Samarkand today where she will meet the Deputy Governor of the Samarkand region Olimjon Ochilov.


Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Singapore
26 October 2013

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