The consultations were co-chaired by Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Zainul Abidin Rasheed of the Republic of Singapore and Deputy Foreign Minister Anvar Salikhbaev of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Both Parties welcomed the successful launch of the Consultations, which was agreed upon during the State Visit of H.E. Islam Karimov, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, to the Republic of Singapore in January 2007. They endorsed the aim of the Consultations as a platform to exchange views on bilateral relations and developments in the respective regions.

The Parties reaffirmed the warm and friendly relations between Singapore and Uzbekistan and discussed ways to enhance the bilateral relationship. The two sides also agreed to explore opportunities to promote economic cooperation.

In this regard, both Parties note that the existing bilateral Investment Guarantee Agreement and the Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement would help to promote greater investment flows between the two countries.

Both parties exchanged views on a broad range of international issues, including developments in Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia and Central Asia.

During the visit, the delegation from the Republic of Uzbekistan held fruitful discussions with Minister of State for Environment and Water Resources Dr Amy Khor and Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Trade and Industry, Information, Communications and the Arts Mr Sam Tan.

The Parties expressed their satisfaction with the outcome of the inaugural session of the consultations and agreed to hold the second session in the Republic of Uzbekistan. The specific dates and venue of the second round of consultations will be agreed upon through the diplomatic channels.