New Delhi, Apr 15 (Reporter) Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Manoj Pande on Monday embarked on a four-day visit to Uzbekistan, marking a significant step towards enhancing defence cooperation between the two contries. During his visit from April 15 to 18, General Pande will engage in dialogues with top defence leadership of Uzbekistan, a Defence Ministry statement said. The visit by General Manoj Pande aims at strengthening military cooperation between India and Uzbekistan besides exploring new avenues of collaboration between the two nations. Gen Pande will hold meetings with Lieutenant General Bakhodir Kurbanov, Defence Minister of Uzbekistan; Major General Khalmukhamedov Shukhrat Gayratjanovich, First Deputy Minister of Defence and Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces; and Major General Burkhanov Ahmed Jamalovich, Deputy Minister and Chief of Air and Air Defence Forces. These dialogues are pivotal in fostering stronger military cooperation. Moreover, he will also make a visit to the Armed Forces Museum followed by a tour of the Hast Imam Ensemble, offering insights into the rich military history and achievements of Uzbekistan. The COAS will visit the Victory Park, commemorating Uzbekistan's contributions and sacrifices in the Second World War. He will also visit to the Centre for Innovative Technologies LLC, and the Uzbekistan Armed Forces Academy and inaugurate IT lab at the academy, established with India’s assistance. Gen Pande will also travel to Samarkand and meet Commander of the Central Military District. The visit will culminate in Termez where the COAS is also scheduled to witness the Joint Exercise DUSTLIK between the armed forces of India and Uzbekistan, highlighting the interoperability and camaraderie developed between the two countries...////...