Uzbekistan and France enhance interparliamentary cooperation

A delegation led by Catherine Hervieu, Member of the National Assembly for Côte-d'Or's 2nd constituency, Chair of the France–Central Asia Friendship Group, visited the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan and met with Deputy Speaker Rahimjon Hakimov.

During the meeting, it was highlighted that Uzbekistan and France are experiencing active growth in trade, energy, education, and cultural-humanitarian areas. On March 12, 2025, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President Emmanuel Macron signed a joint declaration in Paris, officially establishing a strategic partnership and elevating bilateral relations to a new level.

Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis Rahimjon Hakimov provided a detailed overview of the extensive democratic reforms implemented in Uzbekistan. He highlighted the parliament’s increased powers and the enhanced parliamentary control mechanisms resulting from the constitutional reform.

Catherine Hervieu also expressed strong appreciation for Uzbekistan’s ongoing reforms and its growing global influence. She warmly congratulated the Uzbek people on the 35th independence anniversary and wished them peace, well-being, and continued prosperity. She noted that Uzbekistan is steadily consolidating its role as a vital hub for international dialogue and collaboration.

It was emphasized that by the end of 2025, the trade turnover between the two countries reached $1.4 billion for the first time. The portfolio of joint investment projects involving French companies has exceeded 12 billion euros. The establishment of the Uzbek-French University and cooperation in the study and preservation of cultural heritage, including an exhibition devoted to Uzbekistan’s cultural heritage at the Louvre, indicate the consistent expansion of humanitarian ties between the two countries.

Interparliamentary cooperation in lawmaking, parliamentary oversight, and parliamentary diplomacy is particularly important for the practical implementation of the agreements reached by the two heads of state. In this context, the parties discussed ways to elevate interaction between the parliaments of Uzbekistan and France, expand direct dialogue between committees and factions, intensify the activities of friendship groups, and increase the number of mutual visits.

Following the meeting, the parliaments agreed to strengthen interparliamentary cooperation and exchange experience.

M.Komilova, UzA