France, Uzbekistan elevate relations with new strategic partnership

France and Uzbekistan have decided to elevate their bilateral relations to a strategic partnership, strengthening their cooperation across political, economic, security, and cultural spheres. 

This decision builds upon the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation signed in Paris in 1993 and was announced in a joint statement following a meeting at the Elysée Palace between French President Emmanuel Macron and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Caliber.Az reports citing international media.

The partnership is founded on mutual trust and a shared commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter.

Paris and Tashkent have pledged to uphold international law, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, reaffirming their commitment to regional stability and multilateralism. Both governments emphasized the importance of the United Nations in addressing global challenges. France also expressed support for Uzbekistan’s efforts to enhance security and sustainable development in Central Asia, encouraging greater regional dialogue among the five Central Asian nations.

The two countries aim to expand cooperation in defence and security, particularly in the military and industrial sectors. They plan to collaborate on counterterrorism, non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and the fight against organized crime. The agreement also highlights the importance of intelligence-sharing between their security agencies to combat illicit trafficking and other security threats.

Economic ties between France and Uzbekistan are set to deepen, with both governments committed to increasing investments and joint projects in key sectors such as energy, aerospace, infrastructure, and water management. The statement also underlined the importance of strengthening Uzbekistan’s ties with the European Union, including efforts to accelerate the signing of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Brussels and Tashkent. Additionally, France reaffirmed its support for Uzbekistan’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Both countries reiterated their commitment to the Paris Agreement on climate change, aiming to balance economic growth with environmental protection. Cooperation will focus on energy transition, water efficiency, and climate resilience, particularly in the Aral Sea region, which faces severe environmental challenges. France will also provide development assistance to Uzbekistan through the French Development Agency.

Strengthening cultural and academic exchanges is a key aspect of the strategic partnership. The two countries will enhance collaboration in education and scientific research, supporting student and professional mobility programs. A major initiative includes the establishment of a Franco-Uzbek Cultural Center in Tashkent, which will promote the French language and culture. Further cooperation will involve exhibitions, tourism initiatives, and projects to preserve historical heritage.

By Tamilla Hasanova