AKIPRESS.COM - Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi starting on Monday his Central Asian tour in Uzbekistan met in Tashkent with President Islam Karimov.

Modi and Karimov discussed ways to enhance strategic, economic and energy key cooperation between India and Uzbekistan, as well as regional issues including the situation in Afghanistan.

The two leaders signed three pacts to boost cooperation between their foreign ministries, cooperation on culture and tourism.

Following their meeting, the two leaders addressed a joint press conference on the results of the meeting.

“We agreed to intensify security cooperation and exchanges. The bilateral Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism will meet later this year. We also agreed to strengthen cooperation in defence and cyber security,” The Hindu cited Modi as saying.

He said his discussions with President Karimov were “very productive” and aimed towards further deepening of ties.

Noting that the two countries have built a strategic partnership, Mr. Modi said, “This includes expanding economic cooperation, combating terrorism, advancing stability in the region and promoting regional integration.”

The two leaders also discussed ways to implement the contract for supply of uranium from mineral-rich Uzbekistan signed last year. The pact was signed for supply of 2,000 metric tonnes of the yellow cake.

They also explored various initiatives to further enhance connectivity between the two countries and in this context, Mr. Modi briefed Mr. Karimov about the International North South Transport Corridor and proposed that Uzbekistan consider becoming a member. The Prime Minister also sought Uzbek President’s support for India joining the Ashgabat Agreement.