Toast by President S R Nathan at the State Banquet held in honour of His Excellency Islam Karimov, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Your Excellency Islam Karimov, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan
Honorable Ministers
Excellencies
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen

1     Your Excellency’s visit marks a historic milestone in Singapore-Uzbekistan relations as it coincides with the tenth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries.  It gives me added pleasure to welcome Your Excellency on your first State Visit to Singapore.

2     We are particularly appreciative of Uzbekistan’s support of the Asia-Middle East Dialogue (AMED) which seeks to foster inter-civilisation dialogue and greater inter-faith understanding.  Singapore and Uzbekistan’s cooperation at international fora such as the UN and the Non-Aligned Movement has been another feature of our relations.

3     Your Excellency’s visit underlines Uzbekistan’s interest in engaging this region and the rest of Asia.  We welcome this timely interest.  Despite the financial crisis in 1997, Asia as a whole has experienced robust economic growth for the last few years.  The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has forecast that GDP growth in East Asia will continue to grow at about 4.4 percent in 2007.  With China and India continuing to grow rapidly, Asia will offer tremendous economic opportunities.  Hence, we welcome Uzbekistan’s intention to set up an embassy in Singapore, which can serve as a platform for Uzbekistan to better understand developments in Asia and to take advantage of the economic opportunities here in Singapore as well as in the region.

4     Your Excellency’s visit has also opened a new chapter in bilateral relations.  Earlier today, Singapore and Uzbekistan signed five agreements.  These agreements will encourage greater interactions at all levels and lay the foundation to deepen and broaden political and economic relations.

Excellencies

5     Uzbekistan has a long and glorious history.  Uzbekistan was one of the cradles of civilisation in Central Asia as well as an important trading node along the Silk Route.  Many of us are familiar with the names of ancient cities along the famed Silk Route such as Bukhara, Khiva and Samarkand.  These cities have flourished through the centuries and still retain their beauty and charm today.  I would thus encourage greater cultural cooperation and exchanges between Singapore and Uzbekistan.  Such cooperation is important in helping our peoples understand each other better and build stronger links, as well as showcase Uzbekistan among those who visit Singapore.

Your Excellencies
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen

6     It is now my great pleasure to invite you to join me in a toast:

• to the good health and happiness of His Excellency Islam Karimov, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan; and
• to the close friendship between the peoples of Uzbekistan and Singapore.