President of the Republic of Uzbekistan to pay a state visit to France on 12 March

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan will visit Paris from March 11-13 at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron. The visit aims to strengthen Uzbek-French relations through high-level talks and meetings with French officials and business leaders. The agenda includes discussions on expanding cooperation in trade, economic, and investment spheres, with plans to sign several intergovernmental agreements. This visit is part of Uzbekistan's strategy to engage more with European countries, reducing its dependence on Russia and fostering mutually beneficial partnerships, writes Derya Soysal.

Historically, relations between Uzbekistan and France date back to the 14th century, with significant economic and cultural exchanges. Under Mirziyoyev's leadership since 2016, these ties have deepened, marked by increased French business presence in Uzbekistan and numerous bilateral agreements. Following President Mirziyoyev's visit to Paris in October 2018, agreements and conventions strengthening bilateral cooperation were signed. In April 2019, Foreign Minister Jean-Baptiste Lemoine visited the cities of Tashkent and Samarkand to start work following Mirziyoyev's visit. Also in May 2021, Minister Frank Riester visited Uzbekistan as part of his regional tour. On October 27-28, 2022

President of the Council of Europe Charles Michel also visited Uzbekistan. His first stop was Tashkent, where he met with Uzbek President Mirziyoyev and discussed bilateral relations and cooperation.

Uzbekistan and France are actively engaged in constructive and dynamic cooperation of mutual interest. Uzbekistan's interests cover a wide range of issues, including the use of French expertise and investment for social modernization, economic partnership, industrial growth, regional cooperation, international engagement and overall development. France's interests, on the other hand, stem mainly from Uzbekistan's geostrategic position, natural resources and the potential of its transportation infrastructure. Moreover, Uzbekistan, along with the rest of Central Asia, is a fresh, untapped alternative market and a new platform for French companies.

According to the official website of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in 2023 Uzbek exports reached a record with French sales exceeding 300 million euros in the first eight months. According to the same data, it is stated that France is among the top 10 trade partners of Uzbekistan today, while France is the 14th supplier country of Uzbekistan.

France is one of the two European countries in the top 10 in Uzbekistan's foreign trade. France's position has improved compared to the previous year and, barring a cyclical change, bilateral trade volume is expected to increase further in the coming years. However, despite this positive momentum, both France and the EU have limited influence in the region compared to Uzbekistan's Asian partners.

Despite these limitations, Paris is trying to increase its influence on both Uzbekistan and Central Asia. For example, on December 9, 2020, the Ministry of Agriculture of Uzbekistan and the French company Rungis-Semmaris, with an annual turnover of €9 billion, signed an “Agreement on the establishment of a network of wholesale fruit and vegetable markets”. This project aims at structural reform of Uzbek agriculture. The project will reduce the amount of fruits and vegetables lost each year due to poor harvesting and storage by 30%. The project is expected to create 10,000 new jobs.

In another important example, the French SUEZ group has signed cooperation agreements with Uzbek authorities. In November 2023, SUEZ announced the signing of three cooperation agreements with the Uzbek authorities to strengthen its support for the modernization of the water sector. The signing ceremony took place during the visit of French President Macron to Samarkand and in the presence of Uzbek President Mirziyoyev.

The cooperation extends beyond economics to cultural and educational initiatives, with many Uzbek students learning French and various joint projects in archaeology, fashion, and tourism.

The visit also includes a meeting with UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay to discuss the upcoming 43rd session of the Organization's General Conference in Samarkand. This multifaceted partnership promises a prosperous future for both nations, highlighting the pragmatic approach of Uzbekistan and the growing interest of France in Central Asia. The collaboration is seen as a step towards a durable and mutually beneficial relationship. In short, since Mirziyoyev came to power in 2016, Uzbekistan has been opening up to Europe, and France has become its key partner. SUEZ, for example, has set up operations in Uzbekistan.

SOURCES

Ouzbékistan et France resserrent leurs liens - Causeur

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan to pay a state visit to France

(99+) Özbekistan Jeopolitiği: Avrupa Birliği için Stratejik Değeri Geopolitics of Uzbekistan: Strategic Value for the European Union Medihanur ARGALI1 ve Derya SOYSAL2 Öz

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