NEW DELHI— India and Uzbekistan on Wednesday signed more than 30 bilateral agreements in varied business entities in areas like information technology, pharmaceuticals, standardization, small and medium enterprises, coal gasification, oil and gas, science and technology, textiles, banking and tourism.

The agreements were signed on the sidelines of Uzbekistan President Islam Abduganievich Karimov's two-day state visit to India. The Uzbek President was here on the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, said an official statement issued by the Government of India.
The visiting President held talks with the Indian Premier, during which the two leaders reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations and exchanged views on important regional and international issues.

The two sides noted and welcomed the similarity of outlook on bilateral issues as well as a host of regional and global issues. Both leaders also agreed to elevate the bilateral relationship to a long-term and strategic partnership based on equality and mutual understanding.
The partnership envisages active cooperation in a wide spectrum of areas, including political, counter-terrorism, economic, education, health, human resource development, energy, science and technology, tourism and culture.

Besides, the leaders also had a detailed discussion on the continuing unstable situation in Afghanistan, and underlined the importance of early establishment of peace and stability in the country.
During their parleys, the Indian PM and the Uzbek President condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, added the official statement. (KUNA)