Uza. As part of the official visit of the President of France Emmanuel Macron to Uzbekistan on November 1-2, the leaders of Uzbekistan and France adopted a Joint Statement based on raising bilateral relations to the level of strategic partnership in the future.
In the document, it is noted that the historic visit of the French leader to Uzbekistan, which coincided with the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Friendship and Cooperation Agreement between Uzbekistan and France on October 27, 1993, opens a new page in the relationship between the two countries.
To further develop high-level global cooperation, the parties decided to intensify intergovernmental relations and continue to promote long-term structural projects in all areas of common interest to raise the relationship between Uzbekistan and France to the level of strategic partnership.
The main criteria of the statement are aimed at defining a positive perspective by deepening the bilateral partnership. The French side expressed its readiness to assist in the implementation of the “Uzbekistan-2030” Strategy and further support reforms aimed at strengthening democracy and the rule of law.
It is also noted that the two countries are interested in further strengthening cooperation in the effective fight against emerging threats and dangers in international security. It was also agreed to develop communication between security structures further.
In culture and heritage, considering the results of two exhibitions organized in 2022-2023 at the Louvre Museum and the Arab World Institute in Paris, the parties decided to further develop communication in cultural heritage restoration by establishing cooperation between the Art and Culture Development Foundation and the National Institute of Cultural Heritage.
Uzbekistan and France will also continue work on the establishment of the Uzbekistan – France Cultural Center in Tashkent by the Declaration of Agreement of January 6, 2021. In education, the opening of the French Alliance in Samarkand was supported, and it was agreed to develop cooperation to support the teaching of the French language in Uzbekistan, conduct official certification of the level of the French language, help the improvement of the qualifications of teachers, and strengthen communication between education institutions.
It is essential to pay special attention to the development of trade and investment between Uzbekistan and France, especially sustainable development. Economic agreements were signed to develop green energy, high technologies, strategic minerals, water and urban management, transport, infrastructure, and health.
The establishment of the Uzbekistan – France Economic Chamber is also noted with great satisfaction. The importance of full implementation of the agreements reached in all spheres of the economy, mainly due to the high-level meetings held in the two countries since 2018, was emphasized.
According to the document, it was agreed to draw up a list of priority implementation or initiation of structural projects in the following sectors, including based on public-private partnership and the economic action plan for 2020-2030. Including energy and electricity distribution, geological exploration, water resources management, transport, tourism and mountain objects, agriculture, and food industry, cooperation in innovative technologies will be accelerated.
The activities of the Uzbekistan – France Intergovernmental Commission on Trade-Economic Cooperation and the MEDEF International were supported in trade and investment promotion. In the statement, it is also noted that the portfolio of joint projects implemented in Uzbekistan by the parties with the French Development Agency group reached 1.3 billion euros.
Essential programs for the development of several sectors, such as urban infrastructure, green economy, energy, agriculture, and water management, implemented with the participation of the agency, are recognized. The French side supported Uzbekistan’s efforts to ensure peace, security, stable development, and good neighborly relations in Central Asia.
The joint declaration also shows multilateral cooperation, in particular, readiness to coordinate actions within the framework of the United Nations, its specialized agencies and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and other international organizations, and relevant regional structures.
The parties confirm their commitment to the basic principles of international law, in particular to the territorial integrity, sovereignty, independence, and inviolability of internationally recognized borders as defined in the UN Charter, to the obligation of all states not to use force or the threat of force in foreign relations, and to settle disputes by peaceful means. Uzbekistan and France will consult closely before the UN General Assembly votes on violations of the UN Charter. The importance of global food and nuclear security and preventing future environmental disasters is also highlighted.
In another paragraph, it is noted that the two countries discussed the development of relations between Uzbekistan and the European Union. The parties emphasized the importance of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Uzbekistan and the Euro-structure to strengthen the relationship further and develop the EU’s Global Gateway strategy to improve communication between the European Union and Central Asia.
In the document, it is noted that the results of the EU-Central Asia Connectivity Conference: Global Gateway held in Samarkand on 17-18 November 2022, will be reviewed, and information is provided about the First Summit of European Union – Central Asia planned to be held in Uzbekistan in the second quarter of 2024.
Addressing vital issues, the document states that the two countries are interested in strengthening joint efforts to combat climate change, taking measures to adapt to its consequences, thoroughly and effectively implementing the obligations of the Paris Agreement.
The President of France welcomed the measures taken by Uzbekistan to eliminate the consequences of the Aral tragedy and drew attention to the measures implemented by the French Development Agency to preserve the ecosystem of the Aral Sea and contribute to its development. In particular, it was agreed to accelerate cooperation in green, low-carbon, and sustainable development, to support the harmony between humanity and the environment jointly.
The leaders of the two countries strongly reiterate the importance of the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2593. High-level consultations will continue in this regard.
There are many activities to be carried out within this document. Bilateral collaboration is reaching a new level. The agreements of the heads of state will lead to further acceleration of actions in this regard.
