During his three-day presidential visit to France Shavkat Mirziyoyev led Uzbekistan toward a breakthrough in diplomatic relationships with France. The visit marked an historic turning point because it demonstrated the major advancement of bilateral cooperation between the two nations. Various sectors such as politics, green economy, agriculture, energy, healthcare, education and culture received attention through the signing of more than 20 agreements and contracts. These developments according to experts established both new Uzbekistan-France diplomatic relations and created potential foundations for Central Asia-Europe diplomatic cooperation.
Political Cooperation
The visit created a significant stand-out point through its improved political conversation methods. The countries conducted their first four summits starting from 2018 along with ongoing regular foreign ministry meetings and active parliamentarian relationships. A final investment of these meetings led to the Declaration on the Establishment of Strategic Partnership which outlined permanent goals and cooperative operations.
France finds Uzbekistan vital since its position in Central Asia allows the country to connect Eastern territories with Western regions thus establishing itself as a fundamental interactive partner. France acts as a leading global political power together with international law expert that seeks to extend its reach into Central Asia. During the visit President Mirziyoyev received the Order of the Legion of Honor from President Emmanuel Macron as a sign of advancing national respect and developing trust between their countries.
Economic Cooperation
The traditional pattern of economic collaboration is changing because industries are transitioning to high-tech sectors. The Innovation and Industrial Partnership Program emerged as one of the main results following the visit because it establishes sustainable economic partnerships between both nations. Business partnerships under this initiative plan to use €6.5 billion of total funds to support €12 billion worth of combined projects in important industrial areas such as:
- Extraction and processing of critical mineral resources
- Energy infrastructure and transportation
- Renewable energy and sustainability
International business confidence in Uzbekistan’s economic reforms stems from active participation of leading French banks and investment funds during these major projects. Through the energy sector agreements Uzbekistan makes clear its plan to use renewable energy as part of its power source diversification strategy. Total and Voltalia represent two main France-based companies which currently undertake Uzbekistan’s first solar power plant and various other major projects. The Tashkent region will soon welcome a 500-kilowatt agrivoltaic project during this year to further strengthen the French contribution to Uzbekistan’s green energy evolution.
Cultural and Humanitarian Cooperation: Strengthening People-to-People Ties
The strategic partnership consists of important components which go beyond economics and politics since cultural engagements and humanitarian involvement work as essential features. The establishment of Uzbekistan-France University emerged as a major achievement because it combines academic exchange programming with degree accreditation from international institutions. The governments implemented new agreements that would support stronger French language instruction and enable better student and professional movement between countries.
A major cultural event will occur when the Nukus Museum prepares to display its artworks at a Paris exhibition. Uzbekistan’s cultural heritage has stimulated increasing French interest through agreements on monument preservation along with establishing a French National Institute of Cultural Heritage office in Uzbekistan.
The continued economic partnership between Uzbekistan and the French Development Agency (AFD) through 2030 will advance sustainable economic transformation while improving the life quality for Uzbek citizens.
Conclusion
During his Paris visit President Shavkat Mirziyoyev established one of the most extensive trust and collaborative relationships between Uzbekistan and France. The agreements signed during the visit will function as guiding documents to develop enduring multilateral partnerships throughout various sectors. These initiatives will be directed by the Strategic Planning Group whose members consist of foreign ministries and economic agencies from both nations.
Both countries displayed their intention to preserve bilateral relationships as well as their dedication to resolving global concerns through this visit. Within the process of Uzbekistan’s global integration its partnership with France seems destined to become a key element that will form the future of Central Asian-European cooperation.
Mr. Muhammad Ali Pasha is an Analyst and Expert on Central Asia, South East Asia, China, Türkiye and Middle East. Furthermore, he is a writer and poet.
