India, Uruguay discuss ways to expand ties

New Delhi: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday held talks with her Uruguayan counterpart Rodolfo Nin Novoa and explored ways to expand ties in a range of areas including trade and investment, tourism and agriculture.

Swaraj and Novoa, who arrived here on Tuesday on a five- day visit, reviewed entire gamut of bilateral ties and underlined the need for expanding engagement.

"Both sides evinced the desire to increase interaction at the political level as well as in the areas of trade and investment, culture, tourism, agriculture etc. They discussed regional and multilateral issues including UN reforms," the External Affairs Ministry said.

The two ministers also underscored the need to give an impetus to the Preferential Trade Agreement to boost trade and services.

Relations between India and Uruguay have been cordial and both the countries have supported each other on major international issues.

Bilateral trade was USD 119 million in 2013 and during the first 10 months of 2014 it was USD 129 million.

Indian exports to Uruguay accounted for USD 114 while Indian imports were of USD 15 million.

Novoa welcomed offer made by India to set up a Centre for Excellence and Information Technologies. The two ministers also agreed to conclude a Technical Cooperation Agreement to facilitate exchanges of information and knowledge.

Swaraj welcomed the proposed visit of Uruguayan President Tabare Vazquez to India. A mutually convenient date for an early visit will be finalised through diplomatic channels, the ministry said.