02.11.2023

Talks between the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the President of France Emmanuel Macron were held in an expanded format with the participation of official delegations of the two countries.

In his opening remarks, the Uzbek Leader thanked the French President for his visit to Uzbekistan as the head of a representative delegation, including officials, senior executives of leading companies, prominent figures of culture and science.

- This is a vivid proof of your personal attention and special attitude to further development and strengthening of Uzbek-French relations of friendship and multifaceted partnership," Shavkat Mirziyoyev stressed.

It was noted that thanks to regular summit meetings, Uzbek-French relations have acquired a comprehensive character.

The sides agreed to continue active political contacts and to maintain regular dialogue between parliaments, governments, foreign policy and economic agencies.

The sides noted with satisfaction the dynamic growth of trade turnover, which is estimated to reach EUR 1 billion in the near future. The portfolio of current and future projects exceeds 10 billion euros.

French business leaders such as Orano, EDF, Total, SUEZ, Eiffage, Voltalia, Lactalis, Veolia and many others are successfully operating in our country.

The Head of State has identified mining, the processing of strategic raw materials, the construction of hybrid, solar and wind power plants, the modernization of water supply systems, the introduction of smart agriculture, the development of urban and transport infrastructure and tourism as priority sectors for cooperation.

With a view to promoting economic partnership, the creation of the Uzbek-French Chamber of Commerce and the opening of an office of the Business France agency in Tashkent were announced.

In order to deepen cooperation in the humanitarian dimension, it was proposed to adopt a three-year programme and hold cross-cultural days.

The parties welcomed the opening of a branch of the French Alliance in Samarkand and agreed to speed up the establishment of a joint Uzbek-French university.

It was suggested that a programme be drawn up to develop tourist exchanges by launching charter flights from various French cities to Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva.

The two sides also exchanged views on the international agenda and ongoing cooperation in addressing common challenges and security threats.

At the end of the meeting, the Uzbek leader wished the French President a successful hosting of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris.

Following the results of the meeting, the two leaders instructed to prepare a roadmap for the implementation of all the agreements reached.