Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani began his maiden visit to Uzbekistan last week. On the first day of his five-day visit Rupani unveiled a statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and inaugurated a street in Andijan named after the Iron Man - the ‘Sardar Patel Street.’
He has also participated in the first International Investment Forum of Andijan region, titled “Open Andijan.” At the event, the CM interacted with the business community for investment activities and work on measures to increase the volume of investments, and to drive economic growth in the Ferghana Valley region.
In his address, CM Rupani spoke of a cooperative partnership between India and Uzbekistan. He said, “In recent times, our relationship has grown into a close strategic partnership. The visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Uzbekistan in 2015 and 2016, and visit by President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to India in 2018, and earlier this year for the Vibrant Gujarat Summit have elevated our partnership to a new high.”
Attends Sharda University opening function
Sharda University opened its campus in Uzbekistan, especially across the Andijan region for students from Eurasia in various disciplines. CM Rupani also attended the inaugural function along with Shukhrat Abdurakhmanov, Chief Governor of Andijan Region. Rupani said, "Sharda University has played a significant role in enhancing the educational landscape of India and I am sure the University will set another benchmark with this new campus in Uzbekistan. I wish that this partnership proves to be fruitful for both the countries and becomes a global mark of peace, stability and outstanding work."
Rupani also met Erkinjon Turdimov, governor of the Samarkand region of Uzbekistan. Both the leaders discussed business opportunities between the two countries. Accompanied by a delegation, Rupani travelled by a bullet train from Tashkent to Samarkand. He also visited the India Study Centre of Samarkand State University later during the day.
