The manufacturing licence of Noida-based Marion Biotech Pvt Ltd was cancelled by the Uttar Pradesh Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in the aftermath of the deaths of 18 children in Uzbekistan, last year. Reports alleged that they died after consuming cough syrup manufactured by the firm.&nbsp;

A senior state health official said on Wednesday, "Marion Biotech Company's licence has been cancelled by the State License Authority." The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation and the State health regulator decided to cancel the licence unanimously.&nbsp;

The government official said that the firm's licence was under suspension since January after which a "detailed inquiry was initiated". The official added that the firm can no longer "manufacture the syrup".

The official noted that the Noida Police arrested three employees of Marion Biotech from its Noida office on March 3. A lookout notice was issued for two of its directors after an FIR was lodged against all of them.&nbsp;

The FIR had come after an initial probe found that samples of Marion Biotech were "adulterated" and "not of standard quality."&nbsp;

Last year, Uzbekistan's health ministry earlier claimed in a statement that the children died after consuming cough syrup Doc-1 Max, manufactured by Marion Biotech—an Indian drugmaker. Concerns were raised when Uzbek's health ministry said that the syrup contained a toxic substance known as ethylene glycol.&nbsp;

The World Health Organization (WHO) in January had also issued a 'medical product alert' regarding products identified in Uzbekistan and reported to it on December 22, 2022.&nbsp;

"The two products are Ambronol syrup and DOK-1 Max syrup. The stated manufacturer of both products is MARION BIOTECH PVT LTD, (Uttar Pradesh, India). To date, the stated manufacturer has not provided guarantees to WHO on the safety and quality of these products," the WHO had stated then.&nbsp;

"Laboratory analysis of samples of both products, undertaken by national quality control laboratories of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan found both products contained unacceptable amounts of diethylene glycol and/or ethylene glycol as contaminants," it had noted.&nbsp;

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The manufacturing licence of Noida-based Marion Biotech Pvt Ltd was cancelled by the Uttar Pradesh Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in the aftermath of the deaths of 18 children in Uzbekistan, last year.

The manufacturing licence of Noida-based Marion Biotech Pvt Ltd was cancelled by the Uttar Pradesh Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in the aftermath of the deaths of 18 children in Uzbekistan, last year. Reports alleged that they died after consuming cough syrup manufactured by the firm. A senior state health official said on Wednesday, "Marion Biotech Company's licence has been cancelled by the State License Authority." The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation and the State health regulator decided to cancel the licence unanimously. The government official said that the firm's licence was under suspension since January after which a "detailed inquiry was initiated". The official added that the firm can no longer "manufacture the syrup". The official noted that the Noida Police arrested three employees of Marion Biotech from its Noida office on March 3. A lookout notice was issued for two of its directors after an FIR was lodged against all of them. The FIR had come after an initial probe found that samples of Marion Biotech were "adulterated" and "not of standard quality." Last year, Uzbekistan's health ministry earlier claimed in a statement that the children died after consuming cough syrup Doc-1 Max, manufactured by Marion Biotech—an Indian drugmaker. Concerns were raised when Uzbek's health ministry said that the syrup contained a toxic substance known as ethylene glycol. The World Health Organization (WHO) in January had also issued a 'medical product alert' regarding products identified in Uzbekistan and reported to it on December 22, 2022. "The two products are Ambronol syrup and DOK-1 Max syrup. The stated manufacturer of both products is MARION BIOTECH PVT LTD, (Uttar Pradesh, India). To date, the stated manufacturer has not provided guarantees to WHO on the safety and quality of these products," the WHO had stated then. "Laboratory analysis of samples of both products, undertaken by national quality control laboratories of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan found both products contained unacceptable amounts of diethylene glycol and/or ethylene glycol as contaminants," it had noted. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Marion Biotech's manufacturing licence cancelled over kids' deaths in Uzbekistan

All eyes are on this year's Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Samarkand summit is scheduled for 15 and 16 September 2022. As the eight-member grouping is all set to expand, the heads of member states are going to consider Iran's membership bid, by granting it a member status.

SCO membership a major boost for Iran | Uzbek Ambassador to India exclusive on WION

&nbsp;

Uzbekistan, one of the&nbsp;fast-growing countries in the world, is reforming its economy to make it sustainable and green.&nbsp;In the past decade, its GDP growth rate exceeded that of the group of leading CIS countries (Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus) and several countries of the Central Asian region (Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan), according to a document shared by the nation’s embassy to India.

Reforms initiated&nbsp;by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev seek to improve the investment climate, exports, foreign trade, and macroeconomic stability.

Here is a look at the growth, reforms, challenges and future of the nation’s economy:

REFORM PROCESS

The country liberalised its foreign exchange market, simplified visa processes and moved to a flat income tax rate of 12%. It also reduced cost of doing business, opened branches of some foreign universities of Korea, Russia, the US and India. In 2017 alone, 18 free economic zones, 77 small industrial zones and10 technology parks were established.

Products under export ban were reduced, mandatory sale of foreign currency earnings was abolished, customs duty slashed, export contract procedures simplified, and additional conditions for the export of fruits and vegetables were created, according to the embassy document.

A law on combating corruption was adopted, and steps were initiated to curb the shadow economy.

Digital technologies were introduced, with 211 state services rendered through a single portal. Since January 1, scores of licenses and permits were abolished, and registration time and permission documents were reduced or simplified. Non-cash payments went up.

An anti-corruption Agency was set up in mid-2020. From 2017 to the end of 2020, 17 regulations were adopted to fight corruption. From 2021, an annual rating system will evaluate the personal responsibility of regional and government leaders in the fight against corruption and the shadow economy.

A National Project Management Agency was created to ensure consistency in economic reforms process and to introduce modern information management systems. A Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade was formed for implementing investment policy and attracting foreign investment, among other things.

Administrative reforms, improved accessibility of public services and development of public-private partnerships were also introduced.

Important documents were adopted on sustainable development, transition to a green economy, environmental protection and agriculture Development.

Several measures were introduced to to limit the vulnerability of the civil service to political pressure.

Some businesses have been given tax vacations due to Covid pandemic and expenditures have been reduced.

STATE OF THE ECONOMY

The share of industry in the economy has risen to nearly 30% of GDP in 2019, up from 23.3% in 2014, while that of agriculture was down from 33.3% in 2014 to 28.2% in 2020. These two industries have accounted for between 54% and 57% of total GDP.

Manufacturing sector's share in industrial production has not changed dramatically in the last 10 years.

The devaluation of currency is a risk to&nbsp;macroeconomic stability. There was almost two-fold devaluation in 2017 (from almost 4,000 soums per dollar to 8,000 soums) with high devaluation rates continuing in subsequent years - 28% in 2018, 9.5% in 2019 and 13.4% in 2020.

The value of gross investment in 2018 rose to 30.6% of GDP (against the 21.4% average in 2010-17), 37.1% in 2019 and 34.8% in 2020.&nbsp; But the level of monetisation (the ratio of broad money to GDP) of the economy remained significantly below the world average for the developing world (from 50% to 100%), which made it difficult for the national banking sector to credit investment projects. As a result, foreign lending became the main source of financing, which led to a rapid growth of external debt.

In 2011-2016, investment was at 21-23% to GDP, and external debt grew at 7.5%-14.6% to GDP. The investment boom of 2017-2020 led to a rapid growth of external debt up to 46% of GDP due to increased external borrowing for construction and other capital-intensive industries.

Insufficiently thought-out liberalisation has changed the ratio between exports and imports. While in 2011-2016 the foreign trade balance was active (estimated at &nbsp;+1.6% of GDP), in the last four years it has become deficit, at minus 10-12% of GDP in 2018-2020.

NEED FOR CHANGE

A review of economic reforms is needed. The new economic model should focus on domestic sources of development, resource saving, solving social problems including the fight against poverty and the shadow economy, and reducing the burden on natural capital.

In 2016-2019, the nation's industry grew 107.2% on average, with cumulative growth of 124.3%, but the pandemic in 2020 led to drop in production in industry and manufacturing.

The new industrial policy should aim &nbsp;at processing of raw materials, digitalising industries and enterprises, introducing less energy-intensive "green technologies", and forming technological platforms for the development of basic industries. Estimates say digital systems will improve productivity by 20% at existing facilities, and increase output of finished products by 5-10%.&nbsp;This will enable growth of sustainable employment in industrial production.

The investment policy will contribute to positive technological shifts with a growing share of medium and high-tech industries.

FARM SECTOR: GROWTH AND REFORM

Uzbekistan’s gross agricultural output grew by almost 7.2% in 2016-2020, with attention paid to multi-purpose farms. These farms are exempt from payment of the single tax for five years on all types of activities not related to crop growing.

Uzbekistan has second place globally in production of apricots and carrots, and third in production of quinces and &nbsp;cherries. It is the fifth largest exporter of apricots and fourth largest in persimmons and raw silk.

In 2019, an agriculture development strategy was approved. It seeks to ensure food security; create a favorable agribusiness climate and value chains; and reduce the role of the state and increasing investment attractiveness.

State regulation of flour prices, which had been in place since 1994, was stopped in Uzbekistan. The sale of flour at market prices ensures effective allocation of resources and competition in the markets, taking into account the interests of both producers and consumers.

Beginning with the 2020 harvest, the state grain order will be reduced by 25%, and beginning with the 2021&nbsp;harvest, the practice of the state establishing grain procurement prices and state purchases will be completely abolished.

Starting with the 2020 harvest, the practice of setting purchase prices for raw cotton is also abolished.&nbsp; Mechanization of the industry, which replaces manual labor, is also being actively pursued in cotton growing.

Since September 2020, subletting agricultural land for the purpose of growing agricultural products was introduced.

A GREEN ECONOMY

Uzbekistan is an active participant in the implementation of climate-change related accords including Paris Agreement 2015 and Aral Sea agreements. It has adopted documents for environmental protection, transition to a green economy, solid waste management &nbsp;and biodiversity conservation.

Uzbekistan is also making efforts to increase the forest area. Between 2010 and 2018, forest-covered areas increased from 6.63% to 7.26%. More and more land plots are transferred to the category of lands of the state forest fund as lands potentially suitable for forestry.

Uzbekistan, one of the fast-growing countries in the world, is reforming its economy to make it sustainable and green. In the past decade, its GDP growth rate exceeded that of the group of leading CIS countries (Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus) and several countries of the Central Asian region (Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan), according to a document shared by the nation’s embassy to India.

Uzbekistan, one of the fast-growing countries in the world, is reforming its economy to make it sustainable and green. In the past decade, its GDP growth rate exceeded that of the group of leading CIS countries (Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus) and several countries of the Central Asian region (Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan), according to a document shared by the nation’s embassy to India. Reforms initiated by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev seek to improve the investment climate, exports, foreign trade, and macroeconomic stability. Here is a look at the growth, reforms, challenges and future of the nation’s economy: REFORM PROCESS The country liberalised its foreign exchange market, simplified visa processes and moved to a flat income tax rate of 12%. It also reduced cost of doing business, opened branches of some foreign universities of Korea, Russia, the US and India. In 2017 alone, 18 free economic zones, 77 small industrial zones and10 technology parks were established. Products under export ban were reduced, mandatory sale of foreign currency earnings was abolished, customs duty slashed, export contract procedures simplified, and additional conditions for the export of fruits and vegetables were created, according to the embassy document. A law on combating corruption was adopted, and steps were initiated to curb the shadow economy. Digital technologies were introduced, with 211 state services rendered through a single portal. Since January 1, scores of licenses and permits were abolished, and registration time and permission documents were reduced or simplified. Non-cash payments went up. An anti-corruption Agency was set up in mid-2020. From 2017 to the end of 2020, 17 regulations were adopted to fight corruption. From 2021, an annual rating system will evaluate the personal responsibility of regional and government leaders in the fight against corruption and the shadow economy. A National Project Management Agency was created to ensure consistency in economic reforms process and to introduce modern information management systems. A Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade was formed for implementing investment policy and attracting foreign investment, among other things. Administrative reforms, improved accessibility of public services and development of public-private partnerships were also introduced. Important documents were adopted on sustainable development, transition to a green economy, environmental protection and agriculture Development. Several measures were introduced to to limit the vulnerability of the civil service to political pressure. Some businesses have been given tax vacations due to Covid pandemic and expenditures have been reduced. STATE OF THE ECONOMY The share of industry in the economy has risen to nearly 30% of GDP in 2019, up from 23.3% in 2014, while that of agriculture was down from 33.3% in 2014 to 28.2% in 2020. These two industries have accounted for between 54% and 57% of total GDP. Manufacturing sector's share in industrial production has not changed dramatically in the last 10 years. The devaluation of currency is a risk to macroeconomic stability. There was almost two-fold devaluation in 2017 (from almost 4,000 soums per dollar to 8,000 soums) with high devaluation rates continuing in subsequent years - 28% in 2018, 9.5% in 2019 and 13.4% in 2020. The value of gross investment in 2018 rose to 30.6% of GDP (against the 21.4% average in 2010-17), 37.1% in 2019 and 34.8% in 2020. But the level of monetisation (the ratio of broad money to GDP) of the economy remained significantly below the world average for the developing world (from 50% to 100%), which made it difficult for the national banking sector to credit investment projects. As a result, foreign lending became the main source of financing, which led to a rapid growth of external debt. In 2011-2016, investment was at 21-23% to GDP, and external debt grew at 7.5%-14.6% to GDP. The investment boom of 2017-2020 led to a rapid growth of external debt up to 46% of GDP due to increased external borrowing for construction and other capital-intensive industries. Insufficiently thought-out liberalisation has changed the ratio between exports and imports. While in 2011-2016 the foreign trade balance was active (estimated at +1.6% of GDP), in the last four years it has become deficit, at minus 10-12% of GDP in 2018-2020. NEED FOR CHANGE A review of economic reforms is needed. The new economic model should focus on domestic sources of development, resource saving, solving social problems including the fight against poverty and the shadow economy, and reducing the burden on natural capital. In 2016-2019, the nation's industry grew 107.2% on average, with cumulative growth of 124.3%, but the pandemic in 2020 led to drop in production in industry and manufacturing. The new industrial policy should aim at processing of raw materials, digitalising industries and enterprises, introducing less energy-intensive "green technologies", and forming technological platforms for the development of basic industries. Estimates say digital systems will improve productivity by 20% at existing facilities, and increase output of finished products by 5-10%. This will enable growth of sustainable employment in industrial production. The investment policy will contribute to positive technological shifts with a growing share of medium and high-tech industries. FARM SECTOR: GROWTH AND REFORM Uzbekistan’s gross agricultural output grew by almost 7.2% in 2016-2020, with attention paid to multi-purpose farms. These farms are exempt from payment of the single tax for five years on all types of activities not related to crop growing. Uzbekistan has second place globally in production of apricots and carrots, and third in production of quinces and cherries. It is the fifth largest exporter of apricots and fourth largest in persimmons and raw silk. In 2019, an agriculture development strategy was approved. It seeks to ensure food security; create a favorable agribusiness climate and value chains; and reduce the role of the state and increasing investment attractiveness. State regulation of flour prices, which had been in place since 1994, was stopped in Uzbekistan. The sale of flour at market prices ensures effective allocation of resources and competition in the markets, taking into account the interests of both producers and consumers. Beginning with the 2020 harvest, the state grain order will be reduced by 25%, and beginning with the 2021 harvest, the practice of the state establishing grain procurement prices and state purchases will be completely abolished. Starting with the 2020 harvest, the practice of setting purchase prices for raw cotton is also abolished. Mechanization of the industry, which replaces manual labor, is also being actively pursued in cotton growing. Since September 2020, subletting agricultural land for the purpose of growing agricultural products was introduced. A GREEN ECONOMY Uzbekistan is an active participant in the implementation of climate-change related accords including Paris Agreement 2015 and Aral Sea agreements. It has adopted documents for environmental protection, transition to a green economy, solid waste management and biodiversity conservation. Uzbekistan is also making efforts to increase the forest area. Between 2010 and 2018, forest-covered areas increased from 6.63% to 7.26%. More and more land plots are transferred to the category of lands of the state forest fund as lands potentially suitable for forestry.

Uzbekistan is taking efforts to make its economy sustainable and green

Uzbekistan too is struggling amid the pandemic but this year's bumper melon harvest has provided some relief to the country's farmer. Watch the report to know more.

Bumper melon harvest sweetens Uzbekistan's COVID-19 woes

Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev who arrived in India on Sunday was received by Prime Minister Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhavan today.

A day after visiting the Taj Mahal along with his wife, an official welcome for the&nbsp;Uzbekistan&nbsp;President was scheduled by the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday.

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Delhi: President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev receives guard of honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan <a href="https://t.co/9oOM29U1I2">pic.twitter.com/9oOM29U1I2</a>
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On arriving at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, Mirziyoyev said that India occupies a special place in the heart of each Uzbek.

"India has a special place in the heart of each Uzbek. At the moment, India is a rapidly developing nation, India is confidently strengthening its role as global power", he said.

Mirziyoyev is accompanied by his spouse and a high-level delegation on a two-day trip.

After his visit to the Rashtrapati Bhavan, Mirziyoyev visited Raj Ghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi.

He will then meet Prime Minister Modi and will hold restricted and delegation level talks at the Hyderabad House.

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Delhi: President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and his wife pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad also present <a href="https://t.co/tqKxk0GAMc">pic.twitter.com/tqKxk0GAMc</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1046629662418296832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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This is Mirziyoyev's first visit to India since he assumed power in 2016.

The Union Commerce and industry minister Suresh Prabhu has said that the visit of the Uzbekistan President will open a new chapter in Indo-Uzbek relations.&nbsp;

He further said that Uzbekistan can play a major role in a transport corridor designed to serve as an important link between Asia and Europe.

(With inputs from agencies)

Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev who arrived in India on Sunday was received by Prime Minister Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhavan today.

Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev who arrived in India on Sunday was received by Prime Minister Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhavan today. A day after visiting the Taj Mahal along with his wife, an official welcome for the Uzbekistan President was scheduled by the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday. Delhi: President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev receives guard of honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan pic.twitter.com/9oOM29U1I2 — ANI (@ANI) October 1, 2018 × On arriving at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, Mirziyoyev said that India occupies a special place in the heart of each Uzbek. "India has a special place in the heart of each Uzbek. At the moment, India is a rapidly developing nation, India is confidently strengthening its role as global power", he said. Mirziyoyev is accompanied by his spouse and a high-level delegation on a two-day trip. After his visit to the Rashtrapati Bhavan, Mirziyoyev visited Raj Ghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi. He will then meet Prime Minister Modi and will hold restricted and delegation level talks at the Hyderabad House. Delhi: President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and his wife pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad also present pic.twitter.com/tqKxk0GAMc — ANI (@ANI) October 1, 2018 × This is Mirziyoyev's first visit to India since he assumed power in 2016. The Union Commerce and industry minister Suresh Prabhu has said that the visit of the Uzbekistan President will open a new chapter in Indo-Uzbek relations. He further said that Uzbekistan can play a major role in a transport corridor designed to serve as an important link between Asia and Europe. (With inputs from agencies)

India occupies special place in heart of each Uzbek: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev 

Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev will arrive in India on Sunday on his maiden state visit to the country, during which he will hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to boost bilateral strategic partnership.

Mirziyoyev, who will be accompanied by his spouse and a high-level delegation on the two-day trip, will pay a visit to Agra on September 30, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday.

On Monday, he will be given an official welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan after which he will visit Raj Ghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi.

Mirziyoyev will then meet Prime Minister Modi and will hold restricted and delegation level talks at the Hyderabad House.

During the visit, the Uzbek president will also meet President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

"Visit of the president of Uzbekistan will provide an opportunity to discuss bilateral, regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest and reinforce the strategic partnership which exists between India and Uzbekistan," the Ministry of External Affairs said.&nbsp;

Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev will arrive in India on Sunday on his maiden state visit to the country, during which he will hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to boost bilateral strategic partnership.

Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev will arrive in India on Sunday on his maiden state visit to the country, during which he will hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to boost bilateral strategic partnership. Mirziyoyev, who will be accompanied by his spouse and a high-level delegation on the two-day trip, will pay a visit to Agra on September 30, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday. On Monday, he will be given an official welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan after which he will visit Raj Ghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi. Mirziyoyev will then meet Prime Minister Modi and will hold restricted and delegation level talks at the Hyderabad House. During the visit, the Uzbek president will also meet President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. "Visit of the president of Uzbekistan will provide an opportunity to discuss bilateral, regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest and reinforce the strategic partnership which exists between India and Uzbekistan," the Ministry of External Affairs said.

Uzbek President to arrive on maiden India visit today

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today met her Kyrgyz and Uzbek counterparts and discussed cooperation in a number of key areas including trade and investments.

Swaraj, who is here on a four-day visit to take part in the foreign ministers' meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), yesterday met her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi and discussed a host of bilateral issues and ways to step-up the pace of high-level interactions to improve the relationship.

She met Foreign Minister of Kyrgyzstan Erlan Abdyldaev on the sidelines of the SCO foreign ministers meeting and discussed cooperation in trade and investment, Information Technology (IT), defence, films, human resource development, culture and other areas, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a tweet.

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EAM <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SushmaSwaraj</a> continues her engagement with the Chinese leadership on the 2nd day of her visit, calling on the Vice President of China Wang Qishan at Zhongnanhai in Beijing. <a href="https://t.co/8F8GLLc7LC">pic.twitter.com/8F8GLLc7LC</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/988321584732487680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Connecting with an extended neighbour & a close friend! EAM @SushmaSwaraj & Kyrgyzstan Foreign Minister Erlan Abdyldaev met on sidelines of #SCO Foreign Ministers Meeting in Beijing. Discussed cooperation in trade & investment, IT, defence, films, HRD, culture & other areas," Kumar said.

Swaraj also met Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulaziz Kamilov and exchanged views on enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade and investment, pharma, IT, tourism and culture, as well as on the regional situation.

"An important partner in Asia! EAM @SushmaSwaraj met Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulaziz Kamilov in Beijing. Good exchange of views on enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade & investment, pharma, IT, tourism and culture, as well as on the regional situation," Kumar said in another tweet.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today called on Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan to discuss bilateral ties.

Swaraj, who is here on a four-day visit to take part in the foreign ministers' meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), met Wang at Zhongnanhai, the Chinese leadership compound, in Beijing.

"EAM @SushmaSwaraj continues her engagement with the Chinese leadership on the 2nd day of her visit, calling on the Vice President of China Wang Qishan," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

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An important partner in Asia! EAM <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SushmaSwaraj</a> met Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulaziz Kamilov in Beijing. Good exchange of views on enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade & investment, pharma, IT, tourism and culture, as well as on the regional situation. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EAMatSCO?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EAMatSCO</a> <a href="https://t.co/mOZguQvuZO">pic.twitter.com/mOZguQvuZO</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/988303450659176448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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She met her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi yesterday and discussed a host of bilateral issues and ways to step-up the pace of high-level interactions to improve the relationship.&nbsp;

During their talks, the two sides announced that prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping would hold an informal summit from April 27 to 28 in the central Chinese city of Wuhan.

Swaraj met her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi yesterday and discussed a host of bilateral issues

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today met her Kyrgyz and Uzbek counterparts and discussed cooperation in a number of key areas including trade and investments. Swaraj, who is here on a four-day visit to take part in the foreign ministers' meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), yesterday met her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi and discussed a host of bilateral issues and ways to step-up the pace of high-level interactions to improve the relationship. She met Foreign Minister of Kyrgyzstan Erlan Abdyldaev on the sidelines of the SCO foreign ministers meeting and discussed cooperation in trade and investment, Information Technology (IT), defence, films, human resource development, culture and other areas, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a tweet. EAM @SushmaSwaraj continues her engagement with the Chinese leadership on the 2nd day of her visit, calling on the Vice President of China Wang Qishan at Zhongnanhai in Beijing. pic.twitter.com/8F8GLLc7LC — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) April 23, 2018 × "Connecting with an extended neighbour & a close friend! EAM @SushmaSwaraj & Kyrgyzstan Foreign Minister Erlan Abdyldaev met on sidelines of #SCO Foreign Ministers Meeting in Beijing. Discussed cooperation in trade & investment, IT, defence, films, HRD, culture & other areas," Kumar said. Swaraj also met Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulaziz Kamilov and exchanged views on enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade and investment, pharma, IT, tourism and culture, as well as on the regional situation. "An important partner in Asia! EAM @SushmaSwaraj met Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulaziz Kamilov in Beijing. Good exchange of views on enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade & investment, pharma, IT, tourism and culture, as well as on the regional situation," Kumar said in another tweet. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today called on Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan to discuss bilateral ties. Swaraj, who is here on a four-day visit to take part in the foreign ministers' meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), met Wang at Zhongnanhai, the Chinese leadership compound, in Beijing. "EAM @SushmaSwaraj continues her engagement with the Chinese leadership on the 2nd day of her visit, calling on the Vice President of China Wang Qishan," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted. An important partner in Asia! EAM @SushmaSwaraj met Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulaziz Kamilov in Beijing. Good exchange of views on enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade & investment, pharma, IT, tourism and culture, as well as on the regional situation. #EAMatSCO pic.twitter.com/mOZguQvuZO — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) April 23, 2018 × She met her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi yesterday and discussed a host of bilateral issues and ways to step-up the pace of high-level interactions to improve the relationship. During their talks, the two sides announced that prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping would hold an informal summit from April 27 to 28 in the central Chinese city of Wuhan.

Sushma Swaraj calls on Chinese vice president, meets Kyrgyz, Uzbek counterparts

Fifty-two Uzbek citizens have been killed in a bus fire in northwestern Kazakhstan on Thursday.&nbsp;

The bus, carrying 55 passengers, was on a route used by migrant workers on their way to Russia that links Samara to Shymkent, the Kazakh Interior Ministry said. The fire took place in northwestern Aktobe region.

The cause of the incident has not been discovered and further investigations are being carried out.&nbsp;

Only five people managed to escape from the bus and are undergoing medical treatment while the remaining 52 died during the incident.&nbsp;

The ones escaped included three Kazakhs and two Uzbeks. As per media reports, the bus did not have an official license to transport passengers.&nbsp;

Separately, Uzbekistan&rsquo;s Emergencies Ministry said it was sending a plane with its own team of doctors and rescuers to the site.

As per media reports, Vitaly Sinev, an official in Aktobe, said that the fire may have been caused by a short circuit. 
&nbsp;

The bus, carrying 55 passengers, was on a route used by migrant workers on their way to Russia that links Samara to Shymkent, the Kazakh Interior Ministry said. The fire took place in northwestern Aktobe region

Fifty-two Uzbek citizens have been killed in a bus fire in northwestern Kazakhstan on Thursday. The bus, carrying 55 passengers, was on a route used by migrant workers on their way to Russia that links Samara to Shymkent, the Kazakh Interior Ministry said. The fire took place in northwestern Aktobe region. The cause of the incident has not been discovered and further investigations are being carried out. Only five people managed to escape from the bus and are undergoing medical treatment while the remaining 52 died during the incident. The ones escaped included three Kazakhs and two Uzbeks. As per media reports, the bus did not have an official license to transport passengers. Separately, Uzbekistan’s Emergencies Ministry said it was sending a plane with its own team of doctors and rescuers to the site. As per media reports, Vitaly Sinev, an official in Aktobe, said that the fire may have been caused by a short circuit.

Bus fire kills 52 Uzbek citizens in Kazakhstan

The suicide attackers who launched a deadly Istanbul airport assault were planning to take dozens of passengers hostage, Turkish media reported today, as CCTV images of the bombers&#39; faces emerged. 
 
Turkish officials have pointed fingers at the Islamic State for Tuesday night&#39;s gun and bomb attack at Ataturk airport, which left 44 people dead including 19 foreigners. 
 
The private NTV network reported that Istanbul police had detained 11 suspected IS militants over the attack, in addition to 13 rounded up on Thursday and another nine arrested in the western port city of Izmir. 
 
Officials say the men behind the latest in a series of deadly attacks to hit Turkey were of Russian, Uzbek and Kyrgyz nationalities. 
 
Turkish media identified the mastermind of the airport attack as Akhmet Chatayev, a Chechen, adding that he had led an IS cell in Istanbul and found accommodation for the bombers.&nbsp; 
 
Chatayev allegedly organised two deadly bombings this year in the heart of the city&#39;s Sultanahmet tourist district and the busy Istiklal shopping street, the Hurriyet newspaper said. 
 
The pro-government Sabah newspaper reported that the attackers scouted the scene and planned to take dozens of passengers hostage before carrying out a massacre. 
 
However, they began the assault early after attracting suspicion, Sabah said. 
 
CCTV images released by the police show the three alleged attackers arriving in dark coats over their suicide vests - clothing that was much too heavy for a hot summer night. 
 
More images show a plainclothes police officer confronting one of the men by an elevator and asking to see his identification. The attacker pulls out a gun and shoots him. Turkey has been rocked by a series of attacks in the past year. IS jihadists or Kurdish rebels have been blamed. 
 
The attack sparked global condemnation, with consuls from a dozen countries around Europe and beyond gathering at the airport today to lay flowers in memory of the victims. 
 
Hundreds of mourners also gathered in Istanbul on Thursday for the funeral of popular 28-year-old teacher Huseyin Tunc, who was at the airport to welcome a friend. 
 
&quot;We still can&#39;t believe it,&quot; one of his pupils, Batuhan Karabey, said, adding, &quot;He was more than a teacher to us - he was like a big brother, helping us a lot. Really, I can&#39;t believe it&#39;s true.&quot; 
 
The Hurriyet newspaper reported that the bombers had rented a flat in Istanbul&#39;s Fatih district, home to many Syrians and other Arabs, and paid 24,000 Turkish Lira (7,500 Euros) in advance for a year&#39;s rent. 
 
The police raided the apartment after the attack, according to a neighbour, who said the bombers kept the curtains drawn. She never saw the attackers, but she heard them, and complained to local neighbourhood officials about a strange smell. 
 
&quot;A very weird, chemical smell,&quot; she told Hurriyet, adding, &quot;Police came after the bombing... I lived on top of the bomb.&quot; 
 
Hurriyet also quoted a local plumber, identified only by his initials ES, who says one of the attackers came to his shop to ask if he could fix their tap. 
 
&quot;He spoke in broken Turkish. He took me home,&quot; the plumber said. 
 
&quot;I changed the tap. I saw three people inside. They looked like bandits. One always stood by me. I left after changing the tap. They paid me 20 Turkish Lira,&quot; ES said. 
 
(AFP)

Turkish officials say the 3 bombers were a Russian, an Uzbek and a Kyrgyz national

The suicide attackers who launched a deadly Istanbul airport assault were planning to take dozens of passengers hostage, Turkish media reported today, as CCTV images of the bombers' faces emerged. Turkish officials have pointed fingers at the Islamic State for Tuesday night's gun and bomb attack at Ataturk airport, which left 44 people dead including 19 foreigners. The private NTV network reported that Istanbul police had detained 11 suspected IS militants over the attack, in addition to 13 rounded up on Thursday and another nine arrested in the western port city of Izmir. Officials say the men behind the latest in a series of deadly attacks to hit Turkey were of Russian, Uzbek and Kyrgyz nationalities. Turkish media identified the mastermind of the airport attack as Akhmet Chatayev, a Chechen, adding that he had led an IS cell in Istanbul and found accommodation for the bombers. Chatayev allegedly organised two deadly bombings this year in the heart of the city's Sultanahmet tourist district and the busy Istiklal shopping street, the Hurriyet newspaper said. The pro-government Sabah newspaper reported that the attackers scouted the scene and planned to take dozens of passengers hostage before carrying out a massacre. However, they began the assault early after attracting suspicion, Sabah said. CCTV images released by the police show the three alleged attackers arriving in dark coats over their suicide vests - clothing that was much too heavy for a hot summer night. More images show a plainclothes police officer confronting one of the men by an elevator and asking to see his identification. The attacker pulls out a gun and shoots him. Turkey has been rocked by a series of attacks in the past year. IS jihadists or Kurdish rebels have been blamed. The attack sparked global condemnation, with consuls from a dozen countries around Europe and beyond gathering at the airport today to lay flowers in memory of the victims. Hundreds of mourners also gathered in Istanbul on Thursday for the funeral of popular 28-year-old teacher Huseyin Tunc, who was at the airport to welcome a friend. "We still can't believe it," one of his pupils, Batuhan Karabey, said, adding, "He was more than a teacher to us - he was like a big brother, helping us a lot. Really, I can't believe it's true." The Hurriyet newspaper reported that the bombers had rented a flat in Istanbul's Fatih district, home to many Syrians and other Arabs, and paid 24,000 Turkish Lira (7,500 Euros) in advance for a year's rent. The police raided the apartment after the attack, according to a neighbour, who said the bombers kept the curtains drawn. She never saw the attackers, but she heard them, and complained to local neighbourhood officials about a strange smell. "A very weird, chemical smell," she told Hurriyet, adding, "Police came after the bombing... I lived on top of the bomb." Hurriyet also quoted a local plumber, identified only by his initials ES, who says one of the attackers came to his shop to ask if he could fix their tap. "He spoke in broken Turkish. He took me home," the plumber said. "I changed the tap. I saw three people inside. They looked like bandits. One always stood by me. I left after changing the tap. They paid me 20 Turkish Lira," ES said. (AFP)

Istanbul airport bombers planned to take hostages

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