The Leader of Uzbekistan noted the historical significance of the first visit of the President of France to Uzbekistan over the past 30 years of interaction.
Emmanuel Macron thanked the President of Uzbekistan for the invitation and the warm welcome and hospitality provided to the French delegation.
He expressed full support for the ongoing irreversible reforms in New Uzbekistan.
The leaders discussed in detail the issues of further building up comprehensive cooperation between Uzbekistan and France and agreed to bring bilateral relations to the level of strategic partnership.
It was emphasized that in recent years, multifaceted relations between Uzbekistan and France have been dynamically developing in all directions.
The multiple increase in trade turnover and the number of joint ventures was noted with satisfaction. The portfolio of active and promising investment projects exceeded €10 billion.
A €1 billion Strategic Cooperation Program is being implemented with the French Development Agency.
Measures to promote new significant projects in green energy, extraction and processing of raw materials, innovative agriculture, water supply, logistics, infrastructure development, tourism, and others were discussed.
France’s readiness was expressed to further support Uzbekistan’s efforts to strengthen confidence in Central Asia, Uzbekistan’s accession to the WTO, and the early signing of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with the European Union.
The importance of continuing political dialogue, strengthening security cooperation, and effectively countering emerging challenges and threats was emphasized.
The rich cultural and humanitarian agenda was noted with satisfaction. A growing interest in learning the French language in Uzbekistan was emphasized. In this regard, the parties welcomed the opening of a branch of the French Alliance in Samarkand city.
An agreement was reached to accelerate the establishment of an Uzbekistan – France higher education institution in Tashkent city and enhance collaboration in training French language teachers.
The heads of state also exchanged views on current issues on the international and regional agenda.
