In the Address of the Head of the state, it was noted that Uzbekistan is becoming one of the centers of world politics, and this is recognized by the international community.

Indeed, Uzbekistan hosted the summits of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Organization of Turkic States, as well as dozens of high-level international conferences, during which it promoted important initiatives. This indicates that the international influence of our country is increasing more and more.

The President noted that Uzbekistan will continue to pay special attention to strengthening multifaceted and mutually beneficial cooperation with neighboring Central Asian countries, strategic partner countries and international organizations.

It is worth noting that Uzbekistan is striving to establish a regional dialogue, as well as establish cooperation with developed European states, and raise it to a higher level.

For example, France is one of the first countries to recognize the independence of Uzbekistan. The development of comprehensive cooperation with the French Republic is recognized as a priority direction of the foreign policy concept of our state.

Today, friendly relations between Uzbekistan and France, based on mutual interest and respect, are developing rapidly. The last five years have become one of the brightest periods in the history of Uzbek-French relations. Regular dialogue between the leaders of the two countries certainly plays an important role in the development of effective cooperation in all areas.

It is no coincidence that the first visit of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Europe in October 2018 began with the French Republic.

The next visit of the President of our country to France this year was organized during the intensive development of political, cultural and humanitarian ties, the expansion of large-scale cooperation in trade-economic and investment spheres.

Comprehensive cooperation was highly appreciated during the negotiations between the delegations of the two countries. The parties noted with satisfaction the increase in the volume of mutual trade, the successful implementation of major investment projects to create modern industry and modernize infrastructure.

In accordance with the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Uzbekistan and the European Union, the most favored nation regime in trade has been established between Uzbekistan and France.

From 2017 to the present, the number of enterprises with French capital in Uzbekistan has increased 3.5 times, from 13 to 46.

The interest of the French population in Uzbekistan and the culture of our people is also worthy of respect. In particular, the French people enjoyed two major exhibitions depicting Uzbekistan’s cultural heritage: “The Splendours of Uzbekistan’s Oases. At the Crossroads of Caravan Routes” in the Louvre and “The Road to Samarkand. Miracles of Silk and Gold” at the Arab World Institute.

As a result, the interest of the French public in the rich cultural heritage of Uzbekistan is growing, the desire to visit our historical cities, to see with their own eyes the places where the caravan routes passed in ancient times.

The results of the President’s visit and the agreements reached will largely contribute to raising political and economic relations between Uzbekistan and France to a higher level, further developing active cultural-humanitarian cooperation.

All these are factors that serve to ensure the stable development of Uzbekistan.

Otabek Gulomov,

Senior Assistant to Andijan Regional Prosecutor for International Legal Issues,

First-Class Lawyer.

UzA