New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that he looks forward to exchanging views on topical, regional and international issues, at the SCO summit in Uzbekistan.

In a pre departure statement on Thursday afternoon, the Prime Minister said, "I will be visiting Samarkand at the invitation of President of Uzbekistan H.E. Mr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev to attend the Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). At the SCO Summit, I look forward to exchanging views on topical, regional and international issues, the expansion of SCO and on further deepening of multifaceted and mutually beneficial cooperation within the Organization. Under the Uzbek Chairship, a number of decisions for mutual cooperation are likely to be adopted in areas of trade, economy, culture and tourism.''

Modi said that he also looks forward to meeting President Mirziyoyev in Samarkand. "I fondly recall his visit to India in 2018. He also graced the Vibrant Gujarat Summit as its Guest of Honour in 2019. In addition, I will hold bilateral meetings with some of the other Leaders attending the Summit,'' he said.