The portfolio of joint projects between Uzbekistan and France now exceeds €12bn, marking an expansion in bilateral economic cooperation. This milestone was highlighted during high-level negotiations between President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace, where the two leaders formalized a strategic partnership between their nations.
The discussions, which included both one-on-one talks and expanded meetings with delegations, focused on deepening Uzbek-French ties across trade, investment, energy, infrastructure, and cultural cooperation.
Economic cooperation remains a priority in the evolving partnership. Bilateral trade between Uzbekistan and France surpassed €1bn for the first time in 2024, and the number of joint ventures has quadrupled. Leading French companies such as Orano, EDF, Total, SUEZ, Voltalia, and Veolia have significantly expanded their operations in Uzbekistan. A new Innovation and Industrial Partnership Program has been introduced, with planned investments totaling €6.5bn in key sectors, including mineral extraction, energy, and infrastructure.
The leaders also stressed the importance of financial support mechanisms, with Uzbekistan proposing the creation of an Uzbekistan-France Investment Council, which is expected to hold its first meeting in June 2025 during the Tashkent Investment Forum.
The talks also focused on enhancing educational and cultural exchanges. A major milestone in this regard is the opening of the Uzbek-French University in Tashkent in 2025, with experienced French specialists contributing to the curriculum. Additional efforts will be made to expand French language education in Uzbekistan.
As part of broader cultural cooperation, an exhibition of avant-garde works from Uzbekistan's Savitsky Museum will be held in Paris. In parallel, a French Heritage Institute office will be established in Uzbekistan to support the preservation and restoration of cultural monuments.
In recognition of historical and academic ties, a bust of renowned scholar Abu Rayhan Biruni was unveiled in the French city of Grez-Armenville.
The strategic partnership will also extend to security and international affairs. Both leaders emphasized the importance of continued cooperation within multilateral organizations and joint efforts in combating terrorism, extremism, cybercrime, and other global security threats.
To facilitate structured dialogue, an Uzbekistan-France Strategic Planning Group will be created, involving foreign ministries and economic agencies from both sides.
The state visit resulted in the signing of several key agreements, including:
- Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership
- Intergovernmental Agreement on Mobility of Specialists and Students
- Mutual Visa Exemption for Diplomatic Passport Holders
- Cooperation Program in Investment and Innovation (2026-2030)
- Agreement on the Establishment of the Uzbekistan-France University
- Readmission Agreement
- Cooperation Program of Foreign Ministries (2025-2026)
- Declaration on Cooperation in Healthcare
- Expansion of French Language Teaching Protocol
- Cultural Cooperation Agreements on Music, Cinema, and Theater
- Partnership Agreement Between Tashkent and Paris
President Mirziyoyev extended an invitation to President Macron for an official visit to Uzbekistan at a mutually convenient time, reinforcing the commitment to strengthening long-term bilateral cooperation.
Follow Daryo's official Instagram and Twitter pages to keep current on world news.
Comments (0)