TASHKENT, UZBEKISTAN -- Singapore and Uzbekistan have opened discussions on expanding bilateral cooperation between their sides, with a focus on trade and investment, as well as tourism.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that Ms Grace Fu, Second Minister for Foreign Affairs, met with several Uzbek officials to reaffirm warm and friendly relations between Singapore and Uzbekistan, and to highlight growing linkages between the two countries.

In a dinner on Oct 25 hosted by Uzbekistan's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Murad Askarov, Minister Fu welcomed plans by Uzbekistan Airways to launch direct flights to Singapore in the future.

Minister Fu reiterated Singapore's willingness to share developmental experience in areas that are useful for Uzbekistan and encouraged Uzbek officials to participate actively in the Singapore Cooperation Programme.

She added that Singapore looked forward to hosting the third round of political consultations between the respective foreign ministries that could be held in conjunction with the Uzbekistan-Singapore Business Forum next year.

Minister Fu met separately with First Deputy Minister of Foreign Economic Relations, Investment and Trade Akmal Kamalov and Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Water Resources Shavkat Khamraev on Oct 26. During the meetings, Minister Fu was briefed on the economic priorities, as well as water challenges, facing Uzbekistan. She said there could be opportunities that Singapore companies could explore in Uzbekistan, including in the water sector.

She also extended an invitation to Deputy Minister Khamraev to participate in the Singapore International Water Week in June next year.

Minister Fu earlier called on Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of Uzbekistan Women's Committee Elmira Basithanova, and the two discussed social issues affecting women.